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<W* V ; 




WOMAN'S 

MEDICAL GUIDE; 

CONTAINING ESSAYS ON THE 

PHYSICAL, MOKAL AND EDUCATIONAL 

DEVELOPMENT OF FEMALES, 

AND THE 

HOMEOPATHIC TREATMENT 

OF THEIR ^SSEAS-BS-Bf-ALL-PERiODS OF LIFE, 
TOGETHER WITH 

Directions for the Remedial use of Water and Gymnastics. 



By J. H. PULTE, M.D. 

l'KOFESSOR OF OBST ETRICS AND DISEASES OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN; EMERITUS 
PROFESSOR OF CLINICAL MEDICINE IN THE WESTERN COLLEGE OF HOMEO- 
PATHY; AUTHOR OF "HOMEOPATHIC DOMESTIC PHYSICIAN, ETC. 



CINCINNATI: 

MOORE, ANDERSON, WILSTACH & KEYS, 

28 WEST FOURTH STREET. 

NEW-YORK: NEWMAN & IVISON. PHILADELPHIA: MATTHEW & 
HOUARD. BOSTON: OTIS CLAPP. LONDON : LOW & CO. 

1853. 



» . . - * 












Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1853, bj 
J. H.PULTE, M.D.,_ 
In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for 
the District of Ohio. 



H Aim IS & FAIRBANKS, 

PRINTERS, STEREOTYPICS & BOOKBINDERS, 

10 Bank St., Cleveland, O, 



PREFACE 



In offering this work to the Public, the 
Author deems it appropriate to state some of 
the reasons which prompted its publication. 

The spread of Homoeopathy throughout the 
country has been very great, beyond even the ex- 
pectations of its most sanguine advocates, and is 
daily increasing. Thousands of families depend 
on its efficacy in the most dangerous diseases, 
such as Asiatic Cholera, Scarlet and Typhus 
Fever, etc. ; and thousands of intelligent mothers 
consider it the greatest blessing which science 
has yet bestowed upon them. While they have 
heretofore received their information respecting 
matters of general interest and usefulness, phy- 
sical education, hygiene, etc., from Allopathic 
writers, they now, since their conversion to 
Homoeopathy, expect the Homoeopathic practi- 
tioner to furnish them with similar instruction. 
This reasonable desire the practicing physician, 
burdened with toil and care, can satisfy only at a 



IV PREFACE. 



great sacrifice of time and breath, if lie attempts 
at all to convey the requisite information person- 
ally to each one of his lady patrons. Popular 
treatises, devised for this purpose, will accomplish 
the object in every respect more satisfactorily. 

No such work, however, has, as yet, ap- 
peared in our Homoeopathic literature, at least 
none especially adapted to the instruction of 
woman, as to her physical and moral education, 
her destiny, and the treatment of female diseases. 

This want the author intended to supply, by 
discussing these important topics in a popular 
and lucid style. Whether or not he has suc- 
ceeded in his .task, is for the reader to decide : if 
not, then the failure has been one of judgment, 
not of motive. As to the latter, the Author is 
conscious of having spared neither time nor re- 
search in endeavoring to make the book indeed, 
what he intended it to be, a Woman's Medical 
Guide, forming, as it were, a supplement to 
his Homceqpathic Domestic Physician. 

THE AUTHOB. 

Cincinnati, May, 1853. 



CONTENTS. 
Introduction, ---- 13-18 



PART I. 

WOMAN'S 
PHYSICAL AND MORAL DEVELOPMENT 

HER SOCIAL POSITION AND DESTINY. 

CHAPTER I. 



WOMAN. 

1. — Physical Character, 21-31 

Anatomical difference between the two sexes, 21 : Difference in 
the external appearance, internal organs and bony structure, 
23: The female has a different sphere of action from the male, 
24: Comparison of the female system with the male, 25: The 
destiny of either based on their physical constitutions, 26: Di- 
vision of the duties of life, 27: Organs peculiar to the female, 
28: Description of their form, position and function, 29: Ex- 
planation of the changes in woman's physical economy, 30. 

2. — Moral and Intellectual Character, 31-43 

No superiority of either sex in mental or physical endowments, 
31: Difference of character based on unalterable laws of na- 
ture, 32: Woman physiologically considered, 34: Phrenological 



VI CONTENTS. 



analysis of the female mind, 35: Moral region, 36: Intel- 
lectual region, 37: Reflective and perceptive faculties, 39: 
Region of the sentiments — imagination, 40: Its importance as 
one of the faculties which render woman pre-eminently so- 
cial, 41: 

3.— Destiny, 43-52 

"Woman in every respect man's equal, 43 : Christianity the only 
true restorer of woman's rights, 45: Emancipation of woman, 
its true meaning and legitimate object, 46: Duty of legislation, 
46: Her destiny, based upon her physical and moral peculiar- 
ities, 47 : Woman's true position in the light of the gospel 48: 
Her position in the family as wife, mother, sister or daughter, 
49 : Duties and responsibilities of a christian mother, 50: Her 
position in society and the state, 52. 



CHAPTER II. 



GIRL. 



Its Infancy, 63-60 

Difference of action between the male and female infant, 53: 
Swelling of the breasts in female infants, 54: Hygienic rules, 
bathing, exercise, air, food, clothing, 55: Vaccination, 61. 

Its Girlhood, 61-84 

Importance of a proper development and early education of the 
physical system, 62: Danger of the intellectual education if 
too early commenced, 62: Our present system of education is 
wrong — the physical must precede the intellectual, 62: Each 
has separate ends to accomplish, 63: What they are and how 
they can be reached, 64: Dress of a girl, 66: Exercise, dancing 



CONTENTS. VII 



gymnastics, 68: Danger resulting from infant schools, 72: 
Bad results from the practice of awarding preferments and 
premiums in schools, 74: How a system of education should 
be organized.. 78: Music, vocal and instrumental, 80: Moral 
and religious training, 80: Boarding-schools inefficient and 
dangerous. 81. 



CHAPTER III 



MAIDEN OR YOUNG LADY. 

Changes in the system, 85: Menstruation, 86: signs of maiden- 
hood, 87: Moral and physical changes, 88: Puberty, 89: Its 
causes, 90: Description of the internal organs of generation, 
90: Nature and origin of menstruation, 92: Moral develop- 
ment of the maiden, 94: Education at home and abroad, 96: 
Gymnastic exercises, 97: Early marriages are injurious, 98: 
Their causes, 99: Their prevention, 100: Eunaway matches, 
100: Legitimate time of marriage, 102: Education never fin- 
ished, 103: Different kinds of education, 106: Dancing, arts 
and sciences, 107: Extravagance in dress, 109: Duty of pa- 
rents, 110: Show mania and fashions, 111: Necessity of 
useful occupations, 112: customs of old times, 116: Study of 
languages, 118: Moral and religious duties*, 119. 



CHAPTER. IV, 



MAIDEN LADY. 

Law of development, 120: Exceptions, 121: Duty to marry, 
122: Duty and worth of maiden ladies, 124: Their occupa- 
tions, 128: Their joys and pleasures, 130. 



VIII CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER Y 



MARRIED LADY 



Civilization of the world by woman, 132: Position of a wife, 133: 
Affection the real talisman of the marriage union, 135: Other 
virtues 137: Physical changes during marriage, 142: Concep- 
tion, 143: Pregnancy, 144: Its signs, ] 45: The fcetus audits 
development, 147: Rules to be observed during pregnancy, 
143: Its disorders, 150: Quickening — its meaning, 150: Dura- 
tion of pregnancy, 152: Labor, 152: Chloroform and ether — 
their use, 153: Duties of a mother, 153: In the family, 155: 
lu society, 158: In the state, 159. 



CHAPTER VI 



WIDOW. 

Y/irlowhoofl, 161: External circumstances, 163: Duties of wi- 
dows, 164: Second marriages, 165: Education of children, 166: 
Physical welfare, 167. 



CHAPTER VII 



MATRON 



Her physical condition, 169: Her relations to family and society, 
170: Her position and needs, 173: Recapitulation, 175-178. 



CONTENTS. 



IX 



PART II. 



DISEASES OF WOMEN: 



THEIR DESCRIPTION AND HOMOEOPATHIC TREATMENT. 



CHAPTER I. 



DISEASES OF SEXUAL DEVELOPMENT. 



1 . Puberty and its Abnormal Appearance, .... 181-205 

Chlorosis — green sickness, 182: Menstruation and its abnormal 
appearance, 186: Tardy menstruation, 187: Suppressed men- 
struation, 190: Too copious menstruation — flooding, 193: 
Menstruation of too long duration, 196: Too late and too scanty, 
196: Deviation of menses, 196: Too difficult, 197: Painful, 
198: Their cessation or change of life, 199: Abnormal erotic 
sentiment — nymphomania, 200: Absence of erotic sentiment, 
204: Sterility, 204. 

2. Pregnancy, 206-240 

Plethora — congestion — fever, 206: Hemorrhages, 209: Hemor- 
i rhoids — piles, 210: Varicose veins, 212: Swelling of the feet 
and lower limbs, 213: tooth-ache, 214: Salivation, 214: De- 
• rangement of appetite, 215: Nausea and vomiting, 217: 
Diarrhea, 219: Constipation, 221: Dyspepsia — heart-burn — 
acid stomach, 222: Difficulty of swallowing, 222: Spasmodic 
pain and cramps, 223: Colic pains, 224: Disury — strangury — 
ischury, 224: Incontinence of urine, 225: Jaundice (icterus,) 
225: Pain in the right side, 227: Asthma — congestion of the 
lungs — palpitation of the heart— spitting of blood — pleurisy, 



CONTENTS. 



228: Hacking cough, 229: Vertigo — congestion of the head, 
229: Headache — fainting — sleeplessness — depression of spir- 
its, 230: Neuralgic pains, 230: Spasmodic laughter — crying 
— sneezing — yawning, 231: Puerperal convulsions (Eclampsia 
gravidarum,) 232: Miscarriage (abortion.) 234. 

3. Parturition, 240-273 

Labor, 243: Natural and preternatural, 244: Protracted, 246: 

Sudden cessation of, 247: Spurious or false labor-pains, 248: 
Excessively painful labor, 250: The waters (child's water,) 
251: Delivery, 253: Apparent death — asphyxia of the infant, 
254: After-birth, 256: Hemorrhage — flooding, 258: After-pains, 
260: Confinement, 261 : Lochial discharge, 264: Suppression 
of, 266: Excessive and protracted, 267: Offensive, sanious, 267: 
Childbed fever, 268: Milk-leg (Phlegmasia alba dolens,) 270: 
Mania in childbed, 272. 

4. Nursing, 273-291 

Milk-fever, 279: Ague in the breast — gathered breast, 280: De- 
terioration of milk, 283: Suppressed secretion of milk, 287: 
Excessive secretion of milk, 288: Deficiency of milk, 289: 
Sore nipples, 290. 



CHAPTER II 



DISEASES OF GENERATIVE ORGANS. 

Imperforation of the Hymen, 292: Inflammation of external 
parts, 293: Wounds on the same, 294: Oedematous swelling 
of the labia, 294: Pruritus— itching of the private parts, 295: 
Diseases of the vagina, 297: Leucorrhea (fluor albus,) 298: Dis- 
eases of the uterus, 302: Prolapsus uteri (falling of the womb,) 
303: Its retroversion and anteversion, 308: Inflammation of 
the womb, 309: Irritable uterus (rheumatism and neuralgia of 



CONTENTS. XI 



the womb,) 310: Polypus of the uterus, 312: Scirrhus and 
cancer of the womb, 315: Ulceration of the womb, 316: Dropsy 
of the womb, 317: Inflammation of the ovaries, 319: Ovarian 
dropsy, 322: Diseases of the breasts, 322: Scirrhus and can- 
cer of the breasts, 324. 



CHAPTER III. 



DISEASES OF NERVOUS FUNCTION. 

Hysteria, 325-332 

Hysteria or vapors was formerly a fashionable disease, 325: Has 
become quite obsolete at the present day, 326: Derivation and 
signification of the word hysteria,326: Its chronic character,327: 
Description of an hysterical paroxysm {globus hystericus,) 328: 
Resembling epileptic fits, 329 : Its mental causes, excess of joy, 
fear, fright, anger, grief, home-sickness, unhappy love, jealousy, 
mortification, insult, contradiction, chagrin and indignation, 
330: Hysterical constitution, its treatment, 331: Hysteria di- 
minishes of late years in intensity and frequency — the proba- 
ble causes of this singular phenomenon, 332. 



NOTICE TO PHARMACEUTISTS. 

The medicines prescribed in this work are generally 
found among those usually contained in the boxes ac- 
companying the books for domestic practice ; it has 
been the intention that their potency or attenuation 
should be the same as recommended in the Author's 
"Homoeopathic Domestic Physician," viz : the medi- 
cines taken from the vegetable kingdom in the third 
attenuation, those from the mineral in the sixth. If 
separate medicine chests should be made to accompany 
this book, Pharmaceutists -will please to put them up in 
accordance with the above rule; containing the following 
medicines : 

Aconite, Arnica, Arsenicum, Belladonna, Bryonia, Calcarea 
carbon., Cantharides, Capsicum, Carbo vegetabilis, Chamomile, 
China, Cocculus, Coffea, Colocynth, Conium, Crocus, Cuprum, 
Drosera, Dulcamara, Ferrum, Graphites, Hepar sulph., Hyos- 
camus, Ignatia, Iodium, Ipecacuanha, Lachesis, Lycopodium, 
Mercurius (vivus,) Natrum mur., Nitric acid, Nux vomica, Opi- 
um, Phosphorus, Phosphoric acid, Platina, Pulsatilla, Rheum, 
Rhus toxicodendron, Sabina, Secale, Sepia, Silicea, Spigelia, 
Stannum, Staphysagria, Stramonium, Sulphur, Tabacum, 
Tartar emetic, Thuja, Veratrum album; also the tinctures named 
in the Author's work on Domestic Practice. 



INTRODUCTION. 



It would be almost superfluous, at the present 
day, to preface a treatise like this with an apology 
for its appearance. Society in modern times, and 
particularly in our country, has assumed a de- 
cided direction towards the diffusion of knowledge 
amongst all classes and ages; the rich and the 
poor, the mechanic, merchant and literary devotee ; 
the child, young man and woman, parents and 
aged persons — all are provided for in the distribu- 
tion of intellectual food. The presses are teeming 
with the various productions, suitable for popular 
education, diffusing a mass of knowledge, which, 
in time, will ameliorate the condition of society. 
The most abstruse sciences, heretofore strictly and 
carefully hidden from the eyes of the people at 
large, now make their appearance in crowded halls 
before popular audiences, being received with 
applause and eagerly absorbed, when brought be- 
fore them in language appropriate and easily 
understood. Thus, Astronomy and Metaphysics 
have been successfully treated of in popular lec- 
tures ; natural sciences, in all their various phases, 

B 



XIV IITEODUGTIOI. 

are familiar and pleasant visitors at the gatherings 
of the people. It may "be truly said, our lecture- 
rooms continue to do, what the school-rooms have 
had no time to finish; and an intelligent, well- 
educated people, like ours, will pursue its studies, 
in spite of old-fashioned harriers and scientific 
cliques ; having once imbibed the thirst for know- 
ledge, it cannot be restrained in continuing to 
satisfy its cravings. 

Another question, however, might be raised, 
as regards the propriety of treating in books of 
subjects, so delicate and private, that the modesty 
of the female sex naturally would shrink from their 
perusal. But it is an old adage, and a very true 
one: To the pure all tilings are pure / where the 
heart does not already yearn after the evil, and the 
imagination is not already perverted, finding her 
sole delight in the contemplation of impure pic- 
tures, a truthful and severe exposition of the laws 
governing the female system, cannot intoxicate the 
senses or degrade the moral taste ; on the contrary, 
must ennoble the impulses of the heart by increasing 
the knowledge of laws and destinies in connection 
with the immense responsibilities, thus given to 
the choice of each one's judgment. Beside, we 
are convinced that it is possible to treat of the laws 
of nature within the limits of perfect decorum; and 
this without suppressing the truth or becoming 
unintelligible. 



INTRODUCTION. XV 

No one will deny the propriety of giving to 
woman all the instruction needed for herself and off- 
spring, and as this knowledge has to be presented 
to her in some way, that which least offends her 
finer feelings will be considered the best. Woman 
is naturally timid, and refrains as long as possible 
from making inquiries and asking advice from male 
persons about her own health or that of her daugh- 
ters, where the subject is a delicate one. And yet 
she must seek for information, or else irreparable 
damage might be done. She fears exposure, if it 
be only in conversation ; her nature instinctively 
revolts against it. Here it is that a book, contain- 
ing all the information she wants, frequently comes 
to her as a great relief; she can receive instruction 
through it, without exposing her needs to the ear 
of a male person, be he ever so well known to her. 
This reluctance and fear of exposure is so deeply 
rooted in females, that they frequently rather seek 
advice, if absolutely needed, from the physician, 
who is a stranger to them, than from their own 
family-physician. How much easier is it to con- 
sult the pages of a book, which written for their 
especial benefit, will inform them privately about 
subjects, on which they hesitate to converse in the 
presence of others. 

Again, is it not all important that woman, the 
mother and guardian of our infants and children, 

should possess all the knowledge possible as to 
b2 



XVI INTRODUCTION. 

their rational training and education. An igno- 
rant mother will have an excuse for the neglect 
which her offspring has to suffer ; she can say it 
is not her fault; if she knew more about the 
education of children, she would not allow them 
to fall under the supervision of nurses, or persons 
still more incompetent. Give to the mother the 
requisite knowledge in this respect, and thousands 
of evils will be corrected, under which at present 
our infant world has to suffer. Inform the mother 
thoroughly as regards the physical and moral 
training of the young girl, and soon society will 
feel the blessing of such beneficent undertaking ; 
the next generation will already tell of the differ- 
ence. Instead of sickly and nervous women, 
whose sole duty seems to consist in cultivating 
fashionable life, with its soul and body-destroying 
consequences, you will behold strong and vigorous 
bodies and enlightened and sprightly minds, whose 
duty will not be to run constantly after pleasure 
or external ornaments, but who would rather want 
to be themselves a pleasure in the family-circle, 
and an ornament to society. Our present system 
of female education, its workings in the school 
and at home, are entirely wrong and deleterious 
for the physical and moral welfare of the daughters 
of the land, who soon will have to be its mothers. 
But the evil does not stop here; it increases in 
a fearful ratio, as generation follows generation, 



INTRODUCTION. XVII 

■until society and the state itself is brought to the 
verge of ruin and destruction. Well rnay the 
philanthropist shudder at the prospect in the 
future, on beholding the present mode of female 
education among the wealthier classes. From 
over-tasking the young mind with studies for 
hours and days, interrupting thereby the growth 
of the physical system, the inevitable result is a 
morbid -development of the nervous system, a 
damage, which in most cases is irreparable. An 
undue degree of ambition is the cause of this 
growing evil. Each mother wants to see Tier 
daughter excel above all others, in what? In 
strength, health, good sound sense, modest be- 
havior, sprightly, cultivated mind, knowledge of 
house and social duties ? No, not in these quali- 
ties; no, but in a display of mental and bodily 
fineries, called fashionable accomplishments. 

Ambition is a noble quality of the soul, when 
followed within the limits of reason ; but it becomes 
a scourge and a destroyer of life and happiness, if 
immoderately indulged in. In the case of education 
it becomes more than that ; it becomes a crime. 
How many a naturally strong constitution has 
been thereby enfeebled for life, and how many a 
naturally feeble one has been made thereby to de- 
part this life. These are weighty considerations 
which, we hope, will receive all the attention from 

those, for whose benefit they are here introduced. 
b3 



XVIII INTRODUCTION. 

Let each mother reflect well and deeply, before she 
allows her daughter to he thrown into the whirl- 
pool of modern education ; let her consider first, 
whether the child is physically strong enough, to go 
through with it ; because it is indeed hard labor, 
to perform all that modern education proposes to 
have done. In the following pages we hope to 
convince parents, that substantial wrong is done 
to their children by too early and closely pursued 
studies ; that the body must be allowed to develop 
itself first, before the mind is taxed so severely, 
as is the case at present. This relates particularly 
to the education of girls. 

Our plan will be, to present first, in a general 
review, the character and destiny of woman — ■ 
physically, morally and socially ; after which we 
intend to contemplate woman in her different stages 
of development, as a girl, wife, mother and matron. 
In each of these periods she will be subject to 
physical changes, and have to perform different 
duties. It shall be our especial duty to give a 
clear and faithful picture of these different periods 
of development and to show how woman ought 
to be in each of them, in order to deal out and 
receive the greatest amount of real happiness in 
this world, in which she decidedly is the most 
beautiful as well as the noblest of sojourners. 



1 - - 


PART I. 




WOMAN'S 


PHYSICAL AND MORAL DEVELOPMENT; 


HER SOCIAL POSITION AND DESTINY. 


CHAPTER I. 


— Woman Generally Considered. 




1. Physical Character. 




2. Moral and Intellectual Character. 




3. Destiny. 




II. 


— Girl. 




III. 


— Maiden or Young Lady. 




IV. 


— Maiden-Lady . 




V. 


— Married Lady. 




VI. 


— Widow. 


VII. 


— Matron. 


B4 





CHAPTER I. 
WOMAN. 

1. PHYSICAL CHARACTER. 

In treating on this subject, we pre-suppose that 
the reader is familiar with the general outlines of 
human anatomy, and even with such details as 
have reference to the principal organs and their 
functions, necessary for the maintenance of life. 
These the female system shares in common with 
the male. It is our object here to point out only 
that, wherein they differ ; and moreover to show 
that this difference in their physical nature is the 
cause of their respective destinies and duties. 

In comparing the female with the male body, 
we find at once the former less in stature and 
weight, but more rounded and graceful in form. 
It exhibits not so much, strength of the muscles; 
these being less developed than in the male. 
But its motions, if less agile and strong, evince 
more graceful elasticity; in this respect, as also 
in the weaker but clearer voice, the female has 
retained more or less the character of the child. 
We shall have occasion afterwards to remind the 
reader again on the many analogies between the 
b5 



22 WOMAN. 



female constitution and that of the child in general. 
This is mentioned here at once, in order to draw 
the attention to a fact, which will have great 
influence in the better understanding and appre- 
ciation of the female character and destiny. 

Thus in the outer appearance a great difference 
is noticed between the two sexes, and this in- 
creases as we proceed to a closer examination of the 
several parts of the system. In doing so, we have 
to compare the female organization with the male. 

The female face is smaller, its front not so high, 
but the neck is longer ; the chest is not so capa- 
cious, but the abdominal region more developed, 
particularly across the hips, which thus forms in 
the female the basis -line of a triangle, whose apex 
rests in the region of the shoulders ; while in the 
male system the order is reversed, the shoulders 
forming the basis -line and the hips the apex of 
the triangle. The female has shorter, but rounder 
and fatter arms, with softer contours ; the hand 
also is smaller, whiter and softer, the fingers are 
finer and more pointed. The lower limbs, on the 
contrary, although shorter, are stouter, particularly 
from above downwards to the inner corners of 
the knee, which are generally rounder; the feet 
are shorter and smaller. The female skin is finer, 
softer and more transparent, the veins are easier 
discernable; on the more delicate parts of the skin, 
such as the face and neck, the blush appears 



PHYSICAL CHARACTER. 23 

quicker and easier. The hair grows more abun- 
dantly and longer on the head, but less so on 
other parts of the body; the hair itself is finer, 
softer, more elastic and glossy, the nails are more 
transparent and tender. The areolar tissue, which 
contains the fat, is more abundant and firmer ; the 
muscles display a lighter color, are softer, thinner 
and weaker; the single muscles less protruding. 
The diaphragm is less in size and lies higher up, 
enlarging thereby the abdominal cavity ; the heart 
is smaller ; the walls of the whole vascular system 
are thinner; particularly does the arterial system 
lack the same density of texture in proportion to the 
venous, as this is the case in the male, although the 
female possesses a larger amount of blood in pro- 
portion. The lungs are smaller, and the apertures 
of the nose and the whole wind-pipe narrower. 
The brain, in proportion to the body, is heavier 
in the female, than in the male ; the cranial cavity 
is more elevated as regards the position of the 
face, and the mass of the brain in proportion to 
the nervous system and the cranial arteries is 
larger than in the male. The nerves themselves, 
however, are finer, more tender and weaker. 

The bones are thinner, smoother, less firm, their 
processes and indentations less distinct; there is 
less bony matter in general ; the bones of the face 
are finer, with a more even surface; the cavities 
in the front part of the head and cheeks are nar- 



24 WOMAN. 



rower ; the ribs are thinner, flatter, shorter, starting 
in a more decided curve from the spine; the 
spinal column therefore reaches deeper in the 
cavity of the chest, and the spinal processes are 
less discernable in the back-bone; the breast-bone 
is shorter; the cavity of the chest generally less 
capacious ; the spinal column, as a whole, is rather 
longer in the female. But the greatest differences 
exist in the region of the hips, the bones of which 
are broader, although they are thinner and lighter : 
the cavity of the pelvis inside, formed by the hip- 
bones and the small of the back, is every way 
longer, wider and more uniformly so, above as 
well as below. 

"We must be convinced by the above comparison, 
of the female system with the male, that the former 
was destined to move in a different sphere of ac- 
tion from the latter, and that this cannot be 
changed without serious danger for its physical 
welfare. The duties and mode of life seem to be 
clearly pointed out to the female in her bodily 
construction, which we now will proceed to con- 
sider, before we come to describe those organs, 
peculiar to the female sex, in which the greatest 
part of her destiny is fixed. 

As a prominent difference, we find the frame- 
work of her system less in size and strength ; the 
muscles, attaching to it, are also smaller and 
weaker. This fact shows that the female body is 



PHYSICAL CHARACTER. 25 

less capable than the male of undergoing toil and 
hardships, which require mostly muscular effort. 
Neither would it be possible to make her equal 
in that respect to the male, because her muscles 
are softer, thinner, not so compact and of lighter 
color ; this physiological difference precludes them 
from ever becoming so compact, hard and strong, 
as the muscles of a man, even if ever so much 
exercised for that purpose. Besides, it states that 
the female has a firmer areolar tissue, and in 
greater abundance than the male ; consequently is 
more inclined to become fat, and her form rounded, 
a circumstance which prevents any extraordinary 
degree of muscular development by exercise. Yet 
this latter is on that account not the less needed ; 
enough of it must be taken by the female to 
develop those changes within her system, which, 
as we will see hereafter, are a peculiar charac- 
teristic of her sex. 

Another marked difference consists in the form 
and capacity of the chest and abdominal cavity, 
compared with that of the male. The cavity of 
the chest is smaller, while that of the abdomen is 
larger. Here we find a wonderful and wise pro- 
vision made for the respective duties of the two 
sexes. The male is destined to labor harder; to 
him is given the large wide chest, attached to 
which are the powerful muscles of the trunk and 
arms ; his lungs are of greater expanse, his arterial 



26 WOMAN. 



system, including the heart, is more developed; 
all this is needed for a more vigorous and pro- 
longed prosecution of his daily manual work ; his 
system is fitted out for that especial purpose ; the 
abdominal region is less in size, but nevertheless 
strong and compact, while his lower limbs princi- 
pally excel in elasticity and propelling power. 
How beautifully is his destiny written in the frame- 
work of his body and the display of his muscles. 
On the other hand, the female is larger across the 
hips, because there nature needed above all other 
parts room to fitly prepare woman for her destiny. 
From this is easily seen, how perverse to nature 
that fashion is, which compresses the female waist 
and makes of her literally an hour-glass, or a wasp, 
while, indeed, her form ought to be broad across 
the hips, gradually, but regularly tapering off up- 
wards; the male form being just the reverse of 
this. 

The nervous system and the brain of the female 
show another great difference, indicative of her 
duty and destiny. Her brain is proportionally 
larger than that of the man, in comparison to the 
size of the body ; but her nerves are finer, more 
tender and weaker, making them disproportionate 
to the size of the brain. The nerves, which are 
the carriers of the brain-power, ought to be de- 
veloped, in proportion to the size of the brain, in 
order to fulfil its demands; they are, however, 



PHYSICAL CHARACTER. 27 

finer and weaker in the female, hence she lacks 
power of execntion, which compels her to look for 
other help to have her designs execnted. By this 
arrangement she has become pre-eminently the 
counsellor and constant companion of man, who is 
well fitted by nature to carry out her designs, to- 
gether with his own. This is one of the most 
wonderful arrangements in nature, by which the 
two sexes are bound indissolubly together, as the 
intellectual intercourse between them is rendered 
thereby a natural necessity. He flies to her in 
time of need for counsel and advice, and she looks 
to him for action and execution. We can here 
only slightly touch upon this interesting condition 
of the two sexes. Hereafter, however, we will 
treat of it more fully. 

Thus, we see, that the domain of action for the 
female is at the side of man, not ahead of him, nor 
in his rear. These two have to accomplish together, 
what it would be impossible for one to perform 
alone. The hardships of life's duties are thus 
wisely divided, while the results from their faithful 
performance are mutually enjoyed, each one receiv- 
ing a double share of benefits for one share of labor. 
The female, physically disabled from participating 
in life's hardest struggles, receives a higher trust in 
the composition of her moral faculties, by which 
she is enabled to buoy up the toiling partner, when 
he seems almost to sink under the too heavy burden. 



28 WOMAN. 



Her sphere of action will be always more or less 
the house, with its manifold labors and attractions ; 
there the daughter, wife or mother finds room and 
time enough to exercise her physical and moral 
powers ; and if no morbid craving has taken pos- 
session of her mind, she will find real contentment 
and happiness. Beside, the social circle, the school, 
lecture-room and church offer sufficient opportuni- 
ties for the display of her intellectual faculties, in 
giving or receiving instruction. If inclination or 
necessity prompts her to devote herself to duties 
out of the house, society presents thousands of 
occupations, which she can fill honorably and pro- 
fitably, without risking her health or exposing her 
feelings. We will now proceed to call the reader's 
attention to those physical peculiarities, which 
belong to woman exclusively, and form her sexual 
character, determining thereby more than by any 
thing else her true destiny. 

It would be impossible to give an anatomical 
description of all the organs peculiar to the female 
system, without illustrations; yet some definite 
idea must be had about their position and structure, 
in order to show their harmonious co-operation 
and complex relation to each other. We prefer, 
however, not to introduce into this work illustra- 
tions, which might be considered objectionable on 
the score of propriety and good taste. To obviate 
this difficulty, therefore, we will compare the posi- 



PHYSICAL CHARACTER. 29 

tion, form and size of these organs to familiarly 
known objects. This glance will suffice to give to 
the reader a sufficient knowledge of these parts, 
and if any farther should be desired, every one can 
easily have access to anatomical works, treating 
fully on this subject. The region between the 
hips contains within itself a cavity, called the 
pelvic, and the bones, which form this cavity, the 
pelvis; it means literally a bowl or basin. Its 
wider margin is above, its narrow opening below. 
The pelvis contains within its cavity all the organs 
we intend to notice here. 

The most important of these organs is the 
uterus, or womb, which occupies the centre of this 
cavity, suspended on ligaments on either side, 
and connected by very loose tissue in the front 
with the bladder, and in the rear with the 
rectum, the natural outlet of the contents of 
the bowels. The uterus has a pear-shape, and is 
about as large as a small egg^ with an oblong 
opening of one-eighth of an inch long, across its 
smaller end, called the mouth of the uterus, which 
leads into its cavity. This cavity in the unfecun- 
clated uterus, is very small, and only sufficient to 
be noticed as such from the mouth upwards to its 
higher and thicker part, called the fundus uteri ; 
here, to the right and left, are two small openings, 
which connect through a tube on each side, called 
the Fallopian tube, with the ovaries, two oblong, 



30 WOMAN. 



flattened and oval bodies, of a whitish color, and 
the size of half a walnut. They are called 
ovaries, literally egg-beds, because they contain 
the ovum or egg, which is formed there, and when 
growing, bursts the outer skin of the ovarium, 
whence it is transferred through the Fallopian tube 
into the uterus, where in single life it passes away 
with the menstrual discharge ; in married life 
however, when all the conditions of nature have 
been fulfilled, is retained within the uterus, and 
nourished there during nine months. While ges- 
tation is progressing, no new developments of eggii 
in the ovaries take place ; at least that is the 
rule ; but very few exceptions occur to the contrary. 
Generally speaking, the action of the ovaries is 
suspended during the time of gestation. 

This interesting period in a woman's life brings 
about a number of very important changes in her 
physical economy. 

The uterus, a very small organ before, now 
has increased to a great size, and its former 
insignificant cavity has become immensely en- 
larged. Organs which formerly were active, now 
lay dormant, and other organs, formerly asleep, 
now have become operative. Menstruation, the 
regular monthly discharge, has ceased, and the 
fluids, formerly thus wasted, now have become the 
source of life and nourishment for a new beina:, 
and before this is yet born, the breasts begin to 



MORAL AND INTELLECTUAL CHARACTER. 31 

swell, preparing to yield the same precious nour- 
ishment in another more appropriate form and 
place to the child after its birth. These are some 
of the changes in the female system during this 
time, and they are greater in extent and importance 
than any other system has to experience in its life 
time. ]STo wonder that they are often accompanied 
with great danger, or prepare derangements of 
health, which often last for years. "We will have 
occasion, when speaking of the diseases of woman, 
to trace a number of them back to this period of 
her existence, where either by neglect or accident, 
their seeds were sown. 

2. MORAL AND INTELLECTUAL CHARACTER. 

We have seen that for wise purposes the Creator 
endowed woman with a physical constitution dif- 
ferent, in many respects, from that of man ; each 
one being deficient and lacking perfection in several 
particulars, but when united in the sacred bonds 
of marriage and laboring together to build up a 
family, these two present an exalted picture of 
perfection, of which nature has nothing equal to 
show. The strength of the man is united to the 
loveliness and grace of woman ; his impetuous but 
noble haste is checked by her timid and cautious 
foresight; his bold aggressive spirit tempered by 
her wise reluctance of action; everywhere, a 
blending of qualities, which hides each other's 



32 WOMAN. 



faults, while it admits their virtues to appear the 
more readily. The same wonderful arrangement 
can be discerned throughout the moral constitution 
of the two sexes, each of which, taken separately, 
may exhibit many faults and weaknesses, which 
mostly disappear when coming in contact with the 
good qualities of the other. From this point of 
view we have a clear insight into the wonderful 
operations of Divine Wisdom, which ordered just 
such relations as we behold, to exist between man 
and woman, endowing each one with different 
qualities, to promote the happiness of both. 

From this, it is evident that, strictly speaking, 
we cannot grant to either sex a superiority in 
gifts or qualities, either physical or mental. Each 
one stands on a separate platform, distinct from 
the other, and there appears unrivalled in some 
respects while deficient in others. Yet both have 
received a sufficient share of those high qualities 
which stamp the image of God on the human form 
and soul, and none is farther away from this 
ideal of perfection than the one who would be low 
enough not to recognize this divine inheritance in 
the other to its fullest extent. 

It is part of the Divine economy to have thus 
endowed the two sexes differently, in order to 
insure a more perfect union between them.; they 
find in each other enough to admire and to love, 
as also from each other enough to learn and to 



MORAL AND INTELLECTUAL CHARACTER. 33 

imitate. In the likeness, but not the sameness of 
the two sexes, consists the most perfect harmony. 
They would not find pleasure in each others 
company, if their intellectual and moral compo- 
sition were identical; the spice of intercourse, 
the charm of novelty, would be wanting; no 
inducement to progress, so essential to the welfare 
of intelligence, Would exist; no social feeling 
would bind families together and create State 
organizations, because the family hearth, with its 
domestic happiness as the foundation, would be 
wanting. From whatever view we may contem- 
plate the relations between the two sexes, we 
come to the firm conclusion, that in every respect 
they are equals in position, although not iden- 
tical in physical or mental composition. The 
first condition insures to each an equal share of 
prerogative and emolument, while the latter fixes 
for both their respective duties and labors. Let 
us here yet remark, that revelation as well as 
physical and moral laws corroborate the above 
defined relations between man and woman, and if 
state and society had carried them out fully, untold 
agonies of body and soul, innumerable crimes and 
heart-rending scenes might have been averted, and 
the history of mankind been made to flow like the 
rivers of Paradise, full with the waters of joyous 
life, instead of what has been the ease, full of 
blood and destruction. 



34 WOMAN. 



The phrase, "emancipation of woman" should 
never have been thought of; its very sound is a 
disgrace to language, the especial gift of the 
Creator. And it never would have been uttered 
by suffering woman if she had received ample 
justice from man as regards her social and political 
rights, particularly those of property and labor. 
Of this, however, more anon. 

Generally speaking, we can be justified in 
asserting, that moral sentiments are more largely 
diffused among women than men ; their veneration 
and benevolence are largely developed and make 
them particularly well qualified to perform their 
angelic mission upon earth. They also have 
received a greater share of hope and conscien- 
tiousness, which buoy them up in the most 
disagreeable situations of life, and secure to them 
the peace of mind and the charity so characteristic 
of the female sex. These four faculties comprise 
the whole of moral sentiment, and are those by 
which man is particularly distinguished from the 
animal. They make him sympathise with others 
in misfortune, and love and treat with kindness 
and humanity, the poor, aged and infirm. They 
link his spirit to the Deity in adoration and love, 
while he is made to submit cheerfully and easily 
to the Divine will under all circumstances. Such 
exalted sentiments have been given to woman 
more abundantly than to man, and make her, 



MORAL AND INTELLECTUAL CHARACTER. 35 

in the sight of the latter, an object of veneration, 
regard and lore, even if no other superior quality 
should adorn her mind or grace her figure. This 
is so universally true, that man, even in the most 
barbarous periods of history, never has failed to 
show this almost religious veneration to woman- 
hood, which fact is verified by many instances 
amongst the earliest nations. A kind-hearted, 
benevolent, pious woman, will always be an object 
of general admiration and reverence, while the 
opposite character will meet with as universal 
neglect and disrespect. In endowing woman so 
freely with these high and ennobling qualities, the 
Creator threw around her feeble frame and position, 
a far more potent shield to protect her, than any 
other instrumentality could have afforded. Wo- 
manhood never appears to better advantage, than 
in the holy garments of moral purity and divine 
consciousness. Then she is irresistible and all- 
powerful ; there she seems to be all at home ; no 
gift of the intellect, no dazzling wit and splendor 
of beauty, can compensate for the want of such 
exalted excellence. 

Those who seek to locate the power of woman 
in her superior external beauty, and rest her claims 
on these frail pillars, do not understand her 
proper relation to the other sex, and fail, entirely, 
to comprehend the true strength of her position. 
A beautiful face and graceful form will shield her 



36 WOMAN. 



often from the attacks of the low and rude, but 
never, on that account alone, secure for her the 
esteem and reverence of the noble and refined. 
These she can secure only by the excellence of her 
moral character, of which she has received so 
large a share. It is, therefore, part of her earthly 
mission, to let the power of these high qualities 
be felt as much as possible, by teaching their 
principles to the young, and acting according to 
them before man. If she does not do so, she is 
doubly guilty of neglect of duty and propriety, 
since she has treated with contempt the greatest 
gift nature has so freely bestowed upon her. It 
is far easier for her than him to cultivate the 
strictest morals, because she inclines to them 
almost by instinct. Her trials and temptations in 
this sphere of life's actions, are less severe than 
those of man, and consequently her distinctions in 
this respect far less meritorious. If, therefore, 
she leads man on the moral path, she ought to do 
it with that modesty of behavior which does not 
let him feel her own superiority, else one-half the 
benefit might be lost thereby. She ought to 
remember that his share of the moral faculties is 
less than hers, that she feels, by intuition, what is 
right and proper, while he has to try to arrive at 
the same point of right feeling and acting, by 
reflection and reasoning, a process, slower, but 
more tenacious, and when successful, even more 



MOEAL AND INTELLECTUAL CHARACTER. 37 

exalted in its results. Thus, this apparently great 

disparity between the sexes, has been made the 

source of the greatest blessings to mankind, and if 

rightly understood and practiced, must render the 

world a paradise. 

In the intellectual region woman has been 

endowed more with perceptive or observing than 

retentive faculties. She has a keen perception of 

all that passes around her, particularly when it 

has reference to herself; yery seldom, however, 

does she reflect on the nature of the object she 

observes, or the probable effect it may have. She 

is satisfied with having noticed it without further 

speculation. This faculty gives her a proneness 

to curiosity, gossiping and light talk, which, if 

indulged in, must weaken, in a great measure, the 

influence which her nice discrimination in moral 

matters could otherwise secure to her. It gives 

rise to another fault, so frequently met with among 

women, that of searching for each other's failings, 

rather than virtues. If woman shows lack of 

intellect by the side of man, it is more in the 

deficient discrimination of the worth of others and 

its acknowledgment, than in any other respect. 

She has, generally, when called upon, just as clear 

and correct a judgment as man, and equal firmness 

and will, but less generosity and justice in the 

appreciation of others. And this is more apparent 

when she reviews one of her own sex, in which 
c 



38 WOMAN. 



case her critical acumen becomes 'truly formidable 
and unmerciful. No fault, ever so slight, escapes 
her notice, while the good qualities of the person 
under notice, are generally overlooked. This trait 
in the female character, strangely contrasts with 
her otherwise benevolent tendency, and becomes, 
when not properly checked, a fruitful source of all 
kinds of annoyances and unhappy feelings, which 
often reflect even disadvantageousiy on her physical 
health. How many diseases have their exciting 
causes in nervous irritation % The nervous system 
of woman is easily affected, and the conditions of 
life in which women are frequently placed, render 
her still more sensitive to mental irritation. In 
child-bed, for instance, the slightest unkind word 
may produce the most disastrous consequences, 
and be destructive to both mother and child. How 
necessary it becomes, therefore, to cultivate kind 
feelings towards all with whom we have to associ- 
ate, or about whom we have to express an opinion. 
A censorious spirit, if allowed to come up within 
us, soon grows to a height of intolerance, bigotiy, 
and selfishness, which embitters the life of its owner 
forever. And woman, by her keener perception 
and observation of personal matters, has to fear its 
tyrannical sway more than man, who is generally 
more reserved in expressing opinions about others, 
even if his judgment in regard to them would be 
the same. Woman perceives quickly and expresses 



MORAL AND INTELLECTUAL CHARACTER. 



39 



readily, much more frequently than prudence would 
allow. This is owing to a less intense action of 
the reflective faculties, causality and comparison. 
She can easily, however, remedy this seeming 
fault in her nature, by considering well before she 
expresses her thoughts, thus exercising her reflec- 
tive faculties. Her innate benevolence, too, must 
be exercised to keep down gossiping and censorious- 
ness, as it is a benevolent disposition, particularly, 
which constitutes the character of a true lady. 
Such an one will always be careful never to 
wound the feelings of another by words, gestures 
or otherwise, be the object of her remarks ever so 
insignificant. The golden rule contains for no one 
a more precious precept than for woman, whose 
conduct ought to be at all times measured by it. 
Amongst the perceptive faculties we must 
mention, especially, order, of which woman has 
received, generally, a larger share than man. This 
organ is the soul and ornament of a well directed 
household. To its influence, the domestic hearth 
is mainly indebted for its charms, and civilization 
considers it one of its main-springs. Its exercise 
and cultivation, therefore, are of the highest im- 
portance to every woman, as part of her individual 
character, in producing and representing in the 
family circle, that divine principle of order which 
the Great Architect so scrupulously observes in 

the whole Universe. 

c2 



40 WOMAN. 



In the region of the sentiments, woman is also 
richly endowed. She possesses, and ought to 
cultivate a proper self-respect, a feeling of womanly 
pride, so as to make her independent in thought 
and action, without rendering her haughty or pre- 
sumptuous. She can and ought to gratify a desire 
to excel and please, of course in a moderate degree, 
lest it might degenerate into vanity. Her love of 
approbation is generally large, and while she has 
less caution than man, she is in greater danger of 
becoming vain and coquettish. Proper self-respect, 
however, will soon correct this evil tendency. 

Her imagination is splendid and generally more 
brilliant and quicker than man's, and in connection 
with greater and readier humor, renders her social 
qualities far superior to those of the male sex. 
She possesses a quick and lively conception of the 
ridiculous, even in such a degree, that it frequently 
ought to be restrained. Without woman, society 
would be barren of interest. No mirth, no merri- 
ment, no pleasantry and wit would take away the 
tedium of intercourse. Mankind would have lost 
the elasticity of its step ; and as these qualities 
are essentially preservative as regards life, it is 
evident that woman, in this respect contributes an 
equal share in the maintenance of social order with 
man, who so often prides himself on being the 
pillar of state and society, overlooking, in his 
ignorance or pride, the essential benefit and help 



MORAL AND INTELLECTUAL CHARACTER. 41 

«: 

he continually receives from the feebler sex in sup- 
porting him to bear his burdens. It is needed for 
woman to know the importance of her office and 
duties in this respect, as it will make her love and 
cultivate qualities so characteristic of her sex, and 
so essential for the welfare, even the physical, of 
mankind. Yes, truly may we say, the welfare of 
mankind depends, in a great measure, on these 
eminently social qualities of woman, infusing joy- 
fulness, hilarity and buoyancy into every-day life, 
thereby lessening its burdens, promoting physical 
health and moral strength. Man forgets, in her 
pleasing company, the earnestness and severity of 
his thoughts and pursuits. He, who but shortly 
before was deeply engaged in the serious conflicts 
of life, finds himself disenthralled from such fetters, 
when addressed by her gay, lively and buoyant 
conversation; he is caught by her spirit in the 
pleasant retreat of imaginative sentiment and the 
enticing flow of humor, wit and conversational 
entertainment. For the welfare of his body and 
soul, this rest from fatiguing business is indispen- 
sable. If it were not so, his powers would soon be 
exhausted, and languor and disgust unfit him for 
the further performance of his duties. Physically 
and morally, therefore, these exhilarating faculties 
of woman, are essential to the welfare of the whole 
race; and for woman herself, their cultivation 

becomes of the highest importance, as she thereby 
c3 



42 WOMAN. 



perfects her natural gifts, and holds undisputed 
rule in those holier spheres of life, the social cir- 
cles, where spirit communes with spirit for nobler 
purposes and enjoyments. 

Closely allied to the social circle, and, indeed, 
its very prototype and basis, is the family circle, 
the domestic hearth, which, without the presence 
of woman, would be desolate enough. Here, also, 
she reigns supreme. Her delicate feelings, amia- 
bility, filial and parental affection, make the home 
where she resides, truly a paradise for man, who, 
without it, would be the most miserable of mortals. 
Those qualities, so extremely predominant in the fe- 
male sex, are still more active, because not disturbed 
much by the selfish propensities, such as love 
of gain, of which man has received so large a 
share. 

In the above, we have tried to give the general 
outlines of what should constitute the moral and 
intellectual character of woman. To exhaust the 
subject fully here, is impossible, for want of space, 
as it would take a volume alone to do it justice. 
Our object is to draw the attention to those 
characteristics of the female sex which fix her 
earthly destiny, and which guide us in the selec- 
tion of the best methods for her physical and 
moral education, from her earliest infancy up. 
This subject ought to receive our most careful 
attention, as, according to our opinion, the welfare 



DESTINY. 43 



of society depends, mostly, on the soundness of 
the female sex, physically, intellectually and 
morally, 

3. DESTINY. 

From the preceding, the reader will perceive 
that, in as far as woman is different from man in 
her physical and moral constitution, her destiny 
cannot he identical with his ; that while the strength 
of his physical frame points out a sphere of action 
for him, which is filled with hardships of all kind, 
her more delicate body must naturally be suitable 
and inclining only for tasks less severe. This is 
also true as regards intellectual labors. Their 
correspondence in this respect is perfect, although 
it might be said, that woman had heretofore, and 
was yet engaged in mental and physical transac- 
tions, as arduous or weighty as ever had fallen to 
the lot of man. This certainly is so, but it can only 
be a farther proof of the truth, that exceptions 
even in this highest productive sphere of nature, 
the creation of man, confirm a rule. As exceptions, 
we easily understand and value the acts of those 
who have played, during their life-time, the part 
assigned to the opposite sex. Such occurrences arc 
frequently met with in history and daily life, and 
demonstrate the identity of the human forces, and 
the harmony of their tendency. They show the 

faintness of the line of distinction, where the two 
c4 



* 44: WOMAN. 



sexes meet, and the ease with which parties of either 
side may overleap it. We have feminine men, as 
well as masculine women. But these cases do not 
furnish a rule. Nature has drawn a line, and its 
existence can only be doubted by those whose incli- 
nations have carried them already beyond its limits. 
The workings of society have shown this already 
for thousands of years, during which the duties and 
affairs of both sexes have been more or less clearly 
defined. It is true certain ages have not done 
justice to the claims of woman, rendering her 
lot harder than it should have been. But these 
times were yet barbarous and savage. The light 
of the gospel had not penetrated their darkness, 
and physical force was their only law-giver. How 
could woman, with her inferior physical strength, 
be treated on terms of equality by man, who 
measured everything around him by the strength 
of his arm and the force of his blow. If nature 
had designed woman to be equal in physical power, 
why did it not manifest itself in these times of 
physical preponderance \ why did woman not then 
assume the place occupied by man in society? 
why did she not fight the battles and rove about, 
bent upon plunder and robbery? Why did she 
submit to a treatment as unjust as it was cruel % 
That she however did submit, and silently suffered 
for ages, is an historical fact, and proves evidently 
woman's superiority of moral strength in enduring 



DESTINY. 45 



the wrongs inflicted upon her by man's undeveloped 
intellect and moral faculties* 

But the attitude of the two sexes changed as soon 
as the light of the gospel penetrated the spiritual 
darkness of the world. Christianity restored to 
woman her rights, and put her in the only true posi- 
tion by the side of man, where she always should 
have been, but never had been before, and never will 
be except when brought and sustained there by the 
doctrines of the Saviour. One of the last and most 
tender and affecting acts of His life had reference to 
this very relation of man to woman. He charged 
one of his disciples to take care of His mother ; 
"and," saith John, "from that hour that disciple 
took her unto his own home." Here was a relation 
established by the Holy One Himself, between two 
persons whom He loved, and thus, according to 
nature's law, wanted to provide for. The woman 
was protected and taken care of by the man, the 
feeble by the strong, who in return received a 
mother's love. Thus it always should be. To 
destroy this relation of man to woman would be 
cruel, because tearing asunder the tenderest chords 
of human sympathy, based upon mutual depend- 
ence, and would be sacreligious, because laying 
violent hands upon the laws imposed on nature 
by the Creator. Views different from the above, 
have lately arisen in various parts of the world, 

claiming for woman equality in all things with 
c5 



46 WOMAN. 



man ; they call for an emancipation of woman- 
hood, as they term it. The endeavors of these 
reformers may be well grounded as to certain 
evils yet existing, such as the unequal right 
to property between husband and wife.* They 
can, however, not be justified as to the extent of 
changes which these reformers are aiming to 
accomplish. To make woman participate in all 
the gross and inglorious, but necessary work of 
man, would destroy the true glory of woman's 
existence, annul her dignity, and poison the inno- 
cence of her heart with desires entirely foreign to 
her nature. What a sight to see the graceful form 
of woman mingle in a political crowd, eager to 
deposit her vote or to share in popular distinction. 

*We have no doubt that the progressive intelligence of legis- 
lation will remove, in time, all the civil inconveniences to which 
woman at present may be subject. One by one these impedi- 
ments will have to yield before the bold and liberal reasonings 
of the age. As regards the question of property between the 
two sexes, we venture to predict, that one day it will be found 
just and right to allow the woman to be the owner in fact of one- 
half of all the property that is acquired during the marriage 
term ; that she also will be the equal loser in all transactions to 
which she, either in writing or orally, had given her assent, but 
not to be a loser where she thus had not assented. If she would 
lend her husband her money or other property, she should have 
the same right against him which other creditors have ; that, 
however, her personal property, such as jewelry, should not be 
exempted from being taken to pay either her own or the debts of 
the matrimonial firm ; but should be exempt in case where the 
husband contracted the debt without her consent. 



DESTINY. 47 



It takes the massive soul of man to become recon- 
ciled to duties and honors of this kind, which he 
must be firmly persuaded to owe to his country, 
lest he would find them too arclous and insufficient. 
Again, how revolting the spectacle, to see women 
engaged in occupations which would not suit the 
delicacy of their form and feelings. Hard, severe 
bodily labor would destroy their beauty and be 
ruinous to their health. What would become of 
home, its duties and pleasures ? "Who would have 
them to perform and enjoy ? Can there social 
harmony exist, to charm and bless life, where 
no diverse directions of pursuit will allow of a 
uniting angle ? All would be disunion, because 
one direction of pursuit would keep the pursuers 
in parallel lines, which never unite. 

We could thus continue to bring arguments 
without number against the so-called defenders of 
woman's rights, if it were necessary to do so. The 
destiny of woman is so evidently distinct from that 
of man, and indicated so clearly in her physical 
and moral construction, that we can safely leave 
the settlement of this question with the sound 
judgment of the reader. 

We will now proceed further to define the true 
position, which woman ought to fill here on earth 
according to her physical and moral character. 
These latter, as we stated above, have only received 
their due weight in the social order, since the gospel 



c6 



48 WOMAN. 



of love appeared among us, to supercede the gospel 
of law. Nothing is clearer proved by past history 
and the present condition of heathen communities, 
wherein woman is still treated far beneath her high 
moral endowments. And this close sympathy be- 
tween the religion of Christ and the true social 
condition of woman, is still more apparent when we 
consider the incontestable fact, that as Christianity 
appears in a country more true and active, in that 
same degree will its women be more elevated 
honored and loved. It is, therefore, the Christian 
woman, in her relation as wife, mother and daugh- 
ter, whose duties and destiny we here want to lay 
before the reader. 

"It is not good that man should be alone; I 
will make an help meet for him," was the simple, 
but grand and effective speech which preceded the 
creation of woman. Society should be established ; 
it had become a necessity, and woman was needed, 
just such an one as would fulfill the demands, 
thus made on her by the Creator. The laws of 
her life should be in harmony with these demands, 
that she might be indeed " an help meet for him." 
And, truly, it is so yet ; the divine designs can 
yet be traced, sometimes, even in perfect purity, 
in the relations between the two sexes. Although 
the fall of man has rendered the original types less 
defined, and it is but too true that the first paradise 



is lost, still the Christian woman is able to regain 



DESTINY. 49 



it, partially at least, for man, if the latter is able to 
appreciate it. Such are yet her lovely endowments 
bestowed upon her by the Creator, for establishing 
society, and such is yet the longing of man towards 
her company, her consoling, inspiring presence 
and the sweet interchange of sentiments and ideas. 
"Woman is destined, therefore, to create and 
rule society; she was created for that purpose, 
her duties point that way. The family, with its 
various small but continual cares, falls to her 
superintendance. Her watching eye and intelli- 
gent rule must be felt in every corner of a well 
regulated household. Being the mother of the 
children, they continue to cling to her far beyond 
earliest infancy. ' She has almost the sole control 
of them up to the time when the permanent teeth 
appear, after which she divides the care over 
them with husband and teacher. This, however, 
does not diminish the importance of her part in 
the education of the child more advanced in age. 
Besides its physical welfare, the care of which she 
retains to the last, her principal duty will then 
be to cultivate, by example and teaching, those 
highest of all faculties, the moral, which, in their 
bearing upon temporal and eternal happiness, are 
far superior to the mere intellectual, the culti- 
vation of which, falls to the lot of man. Thus 
she will be principally the one who teaches 
the child to be conscientious, modest and benevo- 



50 WOMAN. 



lent. Her influence will be mostly instrumental 
in leading the dawning sparks of veneration into 
the culminating centre of religion, from which 
radiate the all-inspiring rays of hope and eternal 
blessedness. ISTo other agency in the place of a 
faithful christian mother, can accomplish this 
highest of ends so well. She should not, under 
any consideration, relinquish this part of her duty, 
as it involves the dearest interests here and here- 
after. How important, therefore, is it for her to 
appreciate, fully, this great responsibility of her 
existence, and to know well how to fulfill all its 
demands correctly. An intelligent, pious mother, 
will look around to gain all the necessary informa- 
tion on this point, lest she might err in judgment 
and execution. She feels her duty and is not 
unmindful of the high reward which awaits her 
in beholding the prosperity of her children. She 
knows it was, under God, her own work. But 
who will describe the pangs of a mother's soul, 
when the object of her love turns out to be an 
outcast from society, and an object hated by God 
and man ? If she was conscious of having neg- 
lected her part in his education, how fearfully must 
increase that remorse and agony ! " The immense 
responsibility of parents cannot be too highly 
estimated," says Mrs. C. M. Steele.* "On it 

* We recommend to the particular attention of our readers, a 
little work of Mrs. C. M. Steele entitled: "A Mother's Thoughts 
on Parental Responsibility." 



DESTINY. 51 



rests the beauty and loveliness of the structure of 
mind? Unless mothers, who have the first 
nurturing of these delicate gems, are fully sensible 
of what awful results will flow from their hands 
in the neglect of the trust reposed in them, they 
must be unfitted for their work. If disregarded, 
what a dreadful loss must necessarily and inevita- 
bly follow. O, that the most vivid consciousness 
of this truth might irradiate every benighted 
female intellect,, that she may never be compelled 
to perceive the direful images of this neglect." 
Another part of woman's destiny is to be an 
help meet for man. She is a wife, sister or 
daughter. In either of these conditions, the 
variety of duties does not change the object of her 
life. They all point, from their various directions, 
to the one great purpose to be accomplished by 
woman, as his companion and help meet. She 
shares his griefs and sorrows, lessening their 
severity by quieting the storm of his heaving 
soul, and by elevating the hope and courage of his 
drooping mind. She partakes of his joys and 
pleasures, sympathising with his elated heart, but 
purifying its outburst by the refinement of her 
taste and the chastity of her feelings. She is his 
guardian angel in times of temptation ; her advice 
and enthusiasm encourage and support him in 
times of peril. She becomes his alter ego, the 
better and purer principle of his own self. "With- 



52 WOMAN. 



out her, his loneliness would be insufferable ; his 
misery complete. 

Such is woman, the companion and help meet 
of man. This is her destiny and duty in the 
family circle, which she creates and sustains with 
her natural gifts, adapted to that purpose. 

The same faculties which make woman the 
ruling and beloved mistress of the house, lead her 
into society at large, of which she is the soul and 
idol. She contributes more than man to the 
establishment of mutual friendship and its social 
exchange. Her heart swells easier with humani- 
tary feelings. She is affectionate, and being less 
selfish and retired, willing to know and inquire 
into the conditions of others. Hence her strong 
social tendency, which is one of the greatest 
civilizing principles, to which mankind is mainly 
indebted for its progress. How important is it, 
therefore, for woman to cultivate her social gifts, in 
the right direction, in order to fulfill, satisfactorily, 
this, her glorious mission ! 



CHAPTER. II 



GIEL 



ITS INFANCY. 



In earliest infancy, the difference of action 
between the male and female is hardly great 
enough to make it an object of particular notice. 
Yet, it soon becomes preceptible to one, who 
takes the pains to observe closely. The infant 
female has generally a more delicate look; its 
frame is less massive, the limbs more slender, 
and the traces in the face finer and sharper. Its 
nervous system can be agitated more quickly, it 
is more susceptible of external impressions, and 
their re-action on her internal preception is easier 
but less enduring. A female child must, therefore, 
be more liable to disease, and less able to with- 
stand its attacks. But it might not become, for 
that very reason, as seriously sick as the male. 
Its impressions are not so deep and lasting. Never- 
theless, we know that the greater average mortality 
of children is on the side of the female portion. It 
is true, a prominent cause of this phenomenon, 



5i GIRL. 



may lie in the fact, that in general more females 
are born than males. This, however, could not 
account altogether for the greater mortality among 
female children ; we must find a part of its origin 
in the feebler physical constitution of the female 
child. It is, therefore, our duty to be more 
careful in nursing and training the female infant, 
than we have been heretofore, in order to effectu- 
ally remedy this evil. The child's physical 
constitution must guide us in the selection of 
these rules. We dare not follow the old routine, 
merely because it is sacred by age, or agreeable 
to custom or fashion. Old usage, custom and 
fashion might kill our darling. Let us by all 
means save its life and preserve or restore its 
health, the most precious gift on earth. 

We presume the reader is acquainted with all 
that pertains to the good nursing of children, 
generally; if not, information can be had in books 
called " Homoeopathic Domestic Physicians, " 
which treat fully on the principles of nursing.* 
We must at present, confine our remarks on this 
subject to those peculiarities which, in the bring- 
ing up of a female child, have to be especially 
attended to. These are, it is true, but very few ; 
but not altogether unimportant, as will be seen 
directly. 

*See in my "Homcmpathic Domestic Physician," the article, 
Treatment of Children. 



INFANCY. 55 



During the first weeks after the birth of a child, 
there occurs sometimes a swelling of the external 
breasts, which, though it will be of little conse- 
quence to the future welfare of a male infant, 
frequently destroys forever, that of a female. This 
inflammation, if badly treated, may terminate in 
induration or atrophy of the milk glands, and 
thereby deprive the future mother of the use of 
these most important organs. Thus not alone she, 
but also her offspring will have to suffer severely 
for want of a little more than ordinary care in 
cases of this kind. Mothers and nurses ought to 
be well instructed in regard to the treatment of 
this disease; they will find the necessary infor- 
mation in the second part of this work, under 
the head of " Female Diseases ." 

"We hardly need remind the reader to bathe, 
wash and attend the child altogether according 
to the strictest rules of Hygiene ; the use of a 
cap, for instance, on the head, by day or night, is 
considered entirely superfluous, as it proves oftener 
detrimental, than beneficial. Equally pernicious 
to the physical welfare of the child is the too tight 
bandaging of its breast, limbs or abdomen. Every 
part of the body must be left as free as possible, 
to enjoy full liberty of motion, an especial condi- 
tion and means of health. The child must 
exercise its limbs and lungs to the fullest extent. 
Nature wants it; science demonstrates it, and 



56 GIRL. 



unconscious instinct, as exhibited, for instance, in 
a young infant, establishes exercise as a law of 
na ure. The child has an instinct, which governs 
its appetites and desires, frequently more correctly 
than it can be expressed by language. Let us 
only carefully observe its wishes and not stifle 
them by putting the child's body in a straight- 
jacket, wherein it cannot express what it wants. 
Nature herself, takes care of the child, we must 
only observe, not impede her dictates. Hear 
the beautiful and graphic description, by Dr. Eliz. 
Blackwell, in regard to the care which nature con- 
stantly extends to her little darlings, for protec- 
tion and healthful growth. 

" The young infant is almost withdrawn from 
our control. Nature says to us, ' stand by, and 
watch my work!' This delicate life will admit 
of no trifling, no neglect, no experiment ; but 
watch the infant, how it kicks and cries, and 
works, not arms and legs alone, but every part of 
its body in pain or pleasure. We sit and smile 
or silently weep ; but the baby puts every muscle 
in motion ; if it is pained or angry, it will scream 
with its whole life, and contract every little fibre, 
and strain and wriggle in infantile rage, to the 
intense alarm of its mother. We may leave it to 
nature for exercise ; it will be well attended to, 
and carried through an efficient course, reaching 
every muscle of the body, that we should find 



INFANCY. 57 



difficult to imitate by art. Watch the little child, 
too, that has learned to walk and prattle. Do we 
need a more perfect illustration of perpetaal 
motion during its waking hours % Give it free 
room and a few playthings, if they are only blocks 
of wood, and it will go through a series of posi- 
tions, stooping, twisting, doubling, turning over, 
that are incalculable and unapproachable. And 
you cannot quiet such a child; take away the 
playthings, and every legitimate source of amuse- 
ment, and your inkstand Will be upset, your 
books ingeniously torn, the table-cloth dragged 
off, and the contents of the work-basket sent 
rolling ; and if it be absolutely restrained from such 
questionable devices, it will make it up by fretting 
and fidgeting till the older head fairly aches. It 
is a most admirable arrangement, this incessant 
activity of the child, the inexorable law by which 
it lives, and which will turn the whole household 
upside down, sooner than sin against its own 
nature. For it lives by movement ; fresh air and 
exercise are the mainsprings of its healthy physical 
life. Thus in the earliest years of life, nature's 
indications are very plain ; and in exercise, as in 
the organic functions, the most perfect freedom, 
under favorable conditions, should be enjoyed by 
the child, that its own instinct may guide it." 

In a good foundation, lies the main strength of 
a superstructure ; even so is it with a good con- 



58 GIRL. 

stitution, the basis of which must be laid in earliest 
infancy. And yet how often is it neglected by 
parents or those in charge of children. Science 
has furnished the farmer and husbandman with 
strict rules in regard to the rearing of good stock ; 
these regulations are followed to the letter, and 
enterprise is thus an hundred fold rewarded for 
its expense and trouble. Science, also, has pre- 
scribed the best method of attending to the physical 
education of children, but how few follow its dic- 
tates. Those who have done so, have reaped the 
reward in rearing strong and healthy children, at 
once their delight and a blessing to their country. 
But too many, as yet, who behold such praise- 
worthy examples, consider them exceptions, freaks 
of nature, or the consequence of accidental good 
fortune. This is a sad picture, but a true one. We 
must have indeed strayed far away from nature's 
own path, to consider a pair of rosy cheeks or a 
lively, energetic disposition in a child, nothing else 
but a freak of nature. So scarce has that become 
which ought to be universal ! 

The fault most productive of those evils, has 
been the great physical restraint under which we 
put the child as early as the first day of its exist- 
ence. Tight bandages, compressing the abdomen 
and breast, are applied immediately after its birth. 
Afterwards it is closely confined in heated rooms, 
not allowing a sufficiency of fresh air, so essential to 



INFANCY. 59 



the development of the young organism ; its brain is 
heated by a cap, its stomach deranged by improper 
food, which is forced upon the little sufferer,and if 
pain and restlessness follow, paregoric, Godfrey's 
cordial, etc., must restore quiet, or castor oil 
remove the evil. Still greater distress follows such 
violent and senseless treatment. Congestions to 
the head appear and convulsions threaten. ISTo 
wonder that the constitution of a child, under such 
mismanagement, can never be a strong one, even 
if it survives the attacks that occur during early 
infancy. But how many do survive ? Only one 
half of all children born, reach the age of two 
years. This is a melancholy fact, casting a dark 
shadow, freighted with destruction and death, 
upon our so-called modern civilization, with its 
boasted light and instruction. If one-half of the 
human race has to perish before reaching the second 
year of its existence, we have not yet begun to 
realize the blessings of reform in our treatment of 
the helpless young. It is full time that we should 
put into operation the measures devised by science, 
and calculated to keep the angel of death from 
the cradles of our children. These are at once 
comprehensive and effective. 

If we see our faults, let us forthwith correct 
them ; no time is to be lost. "We have perpetrated 
sins of commission and omission ; we must know 
how we have done wrong in order to understand 



60 GIEL. 



how to do right. We have wronged the child in 
omitting to give it a sufficiency of fresh air, water 
and exercise, all of which are indispensable condi- 
tions of its thriving well and receiving a firm, 
healthy constitution. But more than that, we have 
wronged the children by actually making them 
sick, committing an attack on their life and consti- 
tution, by compressing the lungs and other noble 
organs, rendering them, thereby, weak for life. We 
also prevent the liberty of motion by bandaging the 
limbs ; we irritate the intestines by castor oil, and 
debilitate the brain and nervous system by opiates ; 
and, finally, we over-stimulate mental action by 
too early application in that direction, merely to 
gratify our pride and foolish aspirations ; a wick- 
edness often enough punished by the early death 
of the object of our love and hope. Let us avoid 
these faults, and not one-half of the dear, helpless 
beings, will fall victims in early life, while the 
surviving majority will be blessed with a healthy 
constitution. 

Hygiene has become a science and demands a 
treatise of its own, so extensive is its range of 
action and practical utility. We have not the 
room or intention to give here its details ; the 
reader will find these in separate works on Hy- 
giene. We content ourselves in pointing out the 
grosser faults at present committed in the rearing 
of children, and their remedies. And as the female 



CHILDHOOD. 61 



infants suffer, in proportion, more than the male, 
we consider the above remarks especially justified. 
The female sex ought to have, above all, healthy 
constitutions, being destined to play the most, im- 
portant part in the propagation of the race. Let 
us raise strong and healthy mothers, and there will 
be at once an improvement in the health of the 
next generation. The female, therefore, requires 
at our hands, the most careful attention, and we 
are bound to commence it at the earliest period 
in infancy. 

When vaccination shall take place, let the 
female infant be vaccinated, either high up on the 
arm or on the outside of the leg, below the knee, 
(always the best place for small infants,) in order 
to avoid the scar from being observed afterwards, 
as the girl or young woman frequently appears 
with bare arms. It can easily be done, thus pre- 
venting an ugly scar from marring the beauty of a 
well-formed, symmetrical arm, no small attribute 
of the physical perfection of woman. 

Before we proceed farther, to discuss the 
best methods of education for the young girl, we 
would express at once our decided condemnation 
of those at present in vogue. We have for a long 
time witnessed the bad effects which the educa- 
tional system now adopted in most of our Bdarding 
Schools, has on the health and minds of the 
daughters of the land. It is entirely erroneous, 



OZ GIRL. 

and mischievous in the extreme ; wrong from the 
commencement, its results cannot be beneficial. 

The object of nature is, to prepare the system 
in* the preceding period for the next one following, 
in childhood for youth, in youth for womanhood, 
etc. We must, in our educational efforts, observe 
the intentions of nature, and not pervert or 
overleap this order. To teach a child what a 
youth ought to know, and so on, or to neglect or 
prevent the development needed for a child, in 
order to make it perform the duties of a youth, 
will be an injury which never can be fully repaired, 
as the more advanced period can never acquire 
that which should have been the object of its 
pursuit in a previous one. Each period of life 
has separate uses, which must be fulfilled, and 
which never can be changed without serious 
derangement ; this is at least the general rule, the 
order of nature. 

The development of the physical system occurs 
principally during childhood, which extends to the 
age of twelve or fourteen years. During this 
time our endeavors should be directed almost 
exclusively towards the support of the physical 
growth • we must at least refrain from interfering 
with it. 

All education is properly divided into two 
parts, analogous to the two-fold existence of man, 
physical and intellectual. The moral preceding 



CHILDHOOD. 



63 



and following the latter, is therefore included in it. 
Each of these two departments has separate ends 
to accomplish, and will be required in different 
periods of life. The physical training has for its 
object the education and strengthening of the 
body, in the whole, as well as in all its parts. 
The body is the carrier and instrument of the 
mind; its strength and health are all-important 
for the easy and complete performance of the real 
or spiritual life. To make physical education 
effectual, we haye to commence it in early youth, 
and pursue it steadily during the whole period of 
bodily development. This period, in fact, ought 
to be filled up almost exclusively with the practices 
necessary to carry out the principles of a thorough 
physical education, else the succeeding stages of 
life will result in fewer advantages for the object in 
view. We are firmly persuaded that the greatest 
blessings would flow from following the above 
principles in our common school system. Their 
adoption would not interfere with present arrange- 
ments, as we need only to alter the objects and 
hours of instruction. The child may, as hereto- 
fore, be put under school training at the age of 
six, but from that up to eight, it should receive 
twice, every day, half an hour's instruction in 
the purely elementary branches of education ; the 
other time should be devoted to a regular and 

systematic practice of gymnastics, under the 
d2 



64 GIRL. 

superintendence of competent teachers. From, 
eight to ten years, the next higher branches should 
be taught during two hours in the day, while more 
difficult gymnastics should be pursued during the 
remaining time. From ten to fourteen years, a 
confinement of four hours a day in the school- 
room, for still higher studies, would not be 
prejudicial to the child's health, there still being 
left four hours a day for active gymnastic exercise. 
Such ought to be the instruction of the young, 
in order to make the body strong, while its expan- 
sion takes place, and to train by degrees the mind 
to those exercises which afterwards will be the 
principal business of its life. "We are wrong, if 
we suppose that the great object of school instruc- 
tion consists in filling the head of the young with 
actual knowledge. The acquisition of this ought 
to be of minor importance; sometimes it is really 
detrimental. The school can only train the mind 
in the paths leading to knowledge and thought, to 
enable it to improve by its own exertion and 
observation. This is an important truth, proved 
by the experience of great men, who w^ere for 
their greatness indebted not to the actual know- 
ledge taught in schools, but to the impulse which 
their minds received by the training of those 
schools. We therefore, strongly recommend 
parents and teachers, not to subject the young and 
elastic system of the child to the cruel confinement 



CHILDHOOD. 



65 



of the school-room, but to educate the body, 
rather than to fill the mind with premature 
knowledge. A child of ten years of age can learn 
in a quarter of the time what is offered to one of 
seven or eight ; it will be an easy task for the 
older, while the younger child will suffer and labor 
hard, to accomplish the same. There is no time, 
therefore, gained by hastening with the intellec- 
tual education of a child ; let its brain first mature 
and harden, easily to perform intellectual labor. 
Besides, it is not necessary to accelerate the 
intellectual development, in our days of rail-roads 
and ready intercourse, which offer to the young 
an easy medium of instruction not heretofore 
known. A child can learn to read and write, by 
merely having its curiosity and imitative faculty 
excited, through the innumerable hand-bills posted 
up in streets and thoroughfares, on steamboats, 
and on rail-roads. The means and objects of 
observation being increased an hundred fold, com- 
pared with former times, there remains less for the 
school to instruct. 

The physical cultivation is, therefore, the first we 
have to look to in a child. It comprises different 
practices, from the mere running about in the street, 
to the most complicated gymnastic exercises. It 
forms a complete system, and ought to be taught and 
practised in perfect earnestness. We will dwell 
upon the more important exercises at some length. 
d3 



66 GIRL. 



The girl should be permitted to run about in 
the open air, and exercise at least as much, if not 
in the same manner, as the boy. Her plays are 
naturally different, but the benefit derived from 
them for the development of the system, is the 
same. If the boy flies the kite, the girl rolls the 
hoop and jumps the rope. The latter amusement 
ought to undergo a surveillance by older persons, to 
avoid an excess of action and consequent injury 
to the nervous system, which is naturally excitable 
in the young. The girl should be exposed, even 
to the same degree of inclemency of weather as 
the boy, in all seasons, in order to harden her sys- 
tem and prevent precocious development. This 
latter consideration is even more weighty in her 
case, than in that of a boy, who develops more 
slowly, while she is inclined to precocious develop- 
ment. To counteract this more fully, frequent cold 
bathing is necessary, which, having become a 
habit with the child, will continue to be enjoyed as 
a luxury by the girl and maiden. 

The dress worn by the girl at all times, particular- 
ly during play hours, ought to be made to fit loosely. 
Any pressure in this age has a very injurious effect 
on the physical development, impeding easy, free 
and abundant motion ; compressing the bony struc- 
ture, and thereby preventing the nobler internal 
organs from expanding. Spinal and lung diseases 
are the frequent result of a violation of this rule. 



CHILDHOOD. 67 



Another very excellent exercise, suitable and 
natural for the girl, is dancing, the artistic rules 
of which, as an accomplishment, may be acquired 
in this period of life, better and sooner than 
afterwards. The child between seven and four- 
teen years, is naturally inclined to exercise, will 
be, therefore, fond of the dancing school. Its 
movements can be directed, in this age, very easily, 
because the mind of the young is less fettered by 
conventionalities and restraints, which produce so 
much awkwardness in after life, if one is not regu- 
larly instructed in the free and graceful motions of 
the body. 

In thus recommending parents to have their 
children, and particularly their daughters, acquire 
this beautiful accomplishment, we do not advo- 
cate its excessive practice among the young or 
adult. We have seen moral and physical evils 
resulting from its abuse, and feel very anxious to 
warn parents, not to allow their daughters to 
become too much fascinated by the pleasures of 
the dance. The best of every thing may be abused ; 
this should not prevent us from using it moderately 
.and to the purpose. Dancing, systematically taught 
and rationally pursued, improves the beauty of the 
natural gait, and is conducive to bodily health and 
a fine flow of hilarity and enjoyment. We protest, 
however, against all fashionable nonsense, by 
which dancing, as an art, is carried too far, and 



d4 



68 GIRL. 

becomes too difficult for easy instruction or quick 
acquisition. It ought to be taught in a simple, 
easy manner, without the affectation of the modern 
fashionable dancing school, in which this liberal 
accomplishment is presented to the pupils in a 
professional perfection, not suited to educational 
purposes. The latter object is only needed and 
desired, which to effect, nothing more is necessary 
than to teach the child the various graceful attitudes 
and motions, having reference to the improvements 
of its own natural walk and carriage. 

But it is not necessary only to establish by art, 
the elegance and grace of the human figure ; we 
must also endeavor to raise its physical strength. 
For that purpose, the systematical exercise of the 
muscles, as taught by gymnastics, is strongly re- 
commended. The term "gymnastics," signifies 
physical exercises, according to scientific rules. 
Now, many might believe it needless to take exer- 
cise under the control of certain rules, thinking 
that bodily exercise in any shape or form, was the 
same in its results, viz : strengthening the system. 
This, however, is not so. Exercise may do harm 
as well as good, and great discrimination is needed 
to apply its force at the right time and in the 
proper direction. To let a person with feeble lungs 
take exercise in walking every day for a long 
distance, would certainly not improve his condi- 
tion, it would rather be injurious to him ; while 



CHILDHOOD. 69 



exercising the muscles of the chest by throwing 
out and drawing back his arms, would be bene- 
ficial. Thus every muscle in the whole system has 
its own beneficial effect, and should be strengthened 
by an appropriate exercise. For this purpose to 
put successively all muscles in active motion, the 
art of gymnastics has arisen, which teaches the 
various methods of doing it. 

A double benefit is gained by this process. It 
is not merely the acquisition of physical strength 
resulting from these practices, but also the training 
of the mental faculties, indirectly coming into play 
during these physical exercises, when performed 
scientifically. The pupil is constantly reminded 
that the use of certain means will be needed to 
accomplish certain ends. Thus, his faculties of 
calculation, decision, energy, order, etc., will be 
intelligently acted upon. The unscientific exercise 
of the body is as different from the scientific, as 
the playing of one who is unlearned, on the piano, 
compared with that of an experienced musician. 
The one produces an unharmonious, offensive 
noise, while the other delights and instructs by his 
performance. An important art, of so vast a range, 
cannot be taught and practised sufficiently in a 
short time. To be accomplished in the art of 
playing on the piano, requires years of patient, 
persevering effort; and the body is analogous to 
and even more complex than a piano, having four 
d5 



70 GIKL. 



hundred muscles to be set in motion or played 
upon. It must require years of continued exercise 
and study to bring these hundreds of muscles 
under intelligent control, to act upon and with 
them, and thereby improve their several conditions 
and strengthen the whole system. The intro- 
duction of gymnastics ought to be commenced, 
therefore, in early childhood, while yet the body 
easily yields to, and even delights in exercises of 
all kinds ; their study can be made very attractive to 
the youthful mind, as these practices not merely 
delight the bodily senses, but also engage and 
invigorate the intellect, acting constantly upon 
the child's attention and discrimination, that it 
may comprehend the different motions, and distin- 
guish one from another. A child cannot well be 
put under gymnastic training before it is six or 
seven years of age ; it will then be sufficiently 
advanced to understand and retain the lessons, 
which begin like other systematic studies, with 
elementary efforts, and advance gradually. "With 
the growth of the pupil, the exercises increase in 
power and variety. Every voluntary muscle of 
the body is, one by one, acted upon, and brought 
under the control of the will ; particularly is this 
the case, where parts of the body or systems of 
muscles seem to be weaker or less developed than 
others. Regulated exercise increases their strength 
and bulk, and restores thereby that harmony of 



CHILDHOOD, 71 



organic development, so essential to the future 
health and permanent welfare of the whole system. 
Thus the gymnastics assume an hygienic impor- 
tance, not equalled by any other means, to 
counteract or prevent disease. And this in a 
greater degree for the girl than the boy ; because 
the former, naturally weaker in frame and muscle, 
suffers more from early confinement in the school, 
and becomes thereby particularly inclined to spinal 
and lung complaints, these scourges and tortures 
of the female sex. Having arrived at this part of 
our subject, viz : the hygienic bearing of gymnastics 
on the present and future welfare of the female 
system, we would call the reader's attention again 
and again, to its vast importance, by reviewing 
the present treatment of girls during their educa- 
tion, and its bearing upon the health and welfare 
of the child. 

Look at the lively little girl, running about all 
day, fixing dolls or playing otherwise in the house 
or out of doors, talking incessantly, and putting 
herself into all imaginable shapes and forms, 
expressing thereby her inner feelings or wishes, and 
exercising her muscles instinctively. Scarcely four 
years old, you confine this lively and lovely little 
creature into an infant school,* where almost the 

* Some writer in '■ Chambers' Information for the People/' 
goes still farther in torturing the poor little ones ; his advice, if 
acted out, would certainly kill the whole infant world. Hear his 
DO 



72 GIRL. 

whole day long she has to sit quiet or be restrained 
at least in her movements and plays. Her brain, 
as yet very soft and impressible, is excited too 
much by the studies in the books, while at the 
same time, the general system is thwarted in its 
development hj confinement and rest. This is 
just perverting the order. In this age the brain 
needs rest, at least, not more action than the 
natural instinct of the child will demand, while 
the muscles and bones need all the motion they 
can get, to develope strongly and perfectly. It is 
impossible to reverse the natural order of things, 
without suffering the penalty following such an 
offence. Nature and medicine will cease to cure, 
where the offence was too great, disturbing the 
fundamental arrangements of the system. The 
brain is proportionally larger in infants than in 
adults ; the head therefore, does not grow as much 

advice: "From six to fourteen years of age. — In a rightly 
arranged and complete course of elementary, intellectual educa- 
tion, it is presumed that the period from two to six years of age, 
has been spent in an infant school. The effect which such a 
preparation has in facilitating the subsequent operations of the 
teacher, is so great that every effort should be made, to give 
children the advantage of it." 

The practical impossibility of being carried out, saves the 
above advice from any comment on our part ; it is too extrava- 
gant bordering on the ridiculous and insane in its demands, 
and therefore harmless ; yet the reader will perceive the danger 
of their infants being killed by methods like the above, recom- 
mended, or already in vogue. 



CHILDHOOD. 73 



or as fast as the other parts of the body. The 
brain being as yet very tender, easily yields to the 
pressure of the blood in its vessels, which pre- 
disposes to dropsy of the brain, acute or chronic, 
both equally fearful and fatal. Precocious mental 
development will over-excite and congest the brain 
and thereby cause inflammation and dropsy of the 
brain, convulsions, weakness of muscles and bones, 
rachitis, etc. 

The young system wants air and exercise. 
Without these, its growth is stinted at once ; it 
cannot bear to be shut up in rooms or confined 
upon benches ; it needs the fullest liberty. The 
injury done to those innocent little ones, by 
sending them to infant schools, is immense and 
can hardly ever be repaired, as the injury is 
inflicted during this early period, mostly on the 
spine and breast bone, often also, on the pelvis, 
causing rachitical diseases, which positively de- 
stroy the best part of life's happiness and destiny. 
Parents, this misery could have been spared to 
you and your daughters by a little reflection and 
action, in the right direction with nature, not 
against her. It is true, your excuse is perfect ; 
you did not know any better. You did as others 
have clone, and still are doing; you could not be 
blamed, neither were you aware of any harm 
being done to your darling. Did the little 
daughter not come home from school cheerful and 






74 GIRL. 

delighted with her school-mistress ; she loved her 
so much, she could not now stay away from school, 
she would be very unhappy, etc. You are pleased 
to watch and see the great progress your child 
makes in reading, writing and cyphering ; what 
a capital teacher she has, and how forward the 
child is; there never was such a child. Its future 
is speculated upon with no little relish. Poor 
parents, all this time you have been striving with 
all your might to ruin the health and prospects of 
your child, nay, even the intellectual developments 
which you intended to foster so early and tho- 
roughly, you have impeded, thwarted and stinted 
forever. But, you say, why is it that the child, 
if not naturally inclined to intellectual pursuit, 
loves it so much that it sometimes even cannot 
be persuaded to leave the books for playthings % 
This is very obvious, if we consider the means 
which are used to make the child fond of books and 
study. Not to mention the fact, that children like 
to be in the school-room, because they prefer the 
society of their own age to that of a more advanced 
one, its noise and excitement to the quiet and 
restraint of home and its parlor ; there is another 
still greater inducement to draw them to books, 
instead of plays, and this is one of our own fab- 
rication. The ambition of the young mind is stirred 
up in that early period of life, in order to arouse 
its energies to study, and hard intellectual labor. 



CHILDHOOD. 75 



Thus ambition, this legitimate stimulus of a 
more advanced age which needs its sting and 
propelling power, is used by our enlightened 
teachers, to set the brains of children on fire, and 
put their intellects into^ hot-houses, before their 
hearts are prepared to expel envy and malice, 
almost always the inseparable companions of 
ambition. It is dangerous to arouse passions, 
even the noblest, given to us by Providence for 
wise purposes, before the time of their natural 
appearance has arrived. Be these passions either 
of a moral or physical nature, their harmonious 
workings have to follow the same laws. If 
aroused prematurely, their action becomes de- 
structive by engendering morbid conditions and 
precocious development. But if allowed to lie 
dormant in the system until the time appointed 
by nature, they spring up in healthful action and 
vigor, accompanied always by their counterpoises, 
antidoting and restraining their activity if too 
abundant. In this manner, if ambition should be- 
come too great and unscrupulous in a full grown 
man, prudence will arise to curb its impetus ; man 
will reflect on the evil consequences which may 
result from a too ambitious desire and thus the 
equilibrium of his mind is at once restored. Not 
so in a child, where reflection has not yet appeared 
to restrain the will if under ambitious influence. 
Children, whose ambition has been unduly stimu- 



76 GIRL. 



lated, sometimes have received serious injury in 
body and mind from such unnatural races ; they 
frequently have died from diseases, thus contracted. 
A medical friend at my side just now relates to 
me the sad story of his sister, who lost five of her 
children, all during the first school period, from 
precocious intellectual development ; the sixth one 
was saved by adhering to the Doctor's strict rule, 
not to foster mental but physical development.* 

It was the fault of former times to educate the 
young mind too little; we have fallen into the 
other extreme of educating too much, by over- 
taxing the minds of the young. The middle 
course must be kept, otherwise the harmony in 

* I am perfectly convinced that harm is done by the premiums 
and prizes offered at the examinations in schools, to the most 
forward pupils. It is a system which naturally had to accom- 
pany the hot-house education, as it exists at present everywhere, 
and for which it furnishes the best fuel to force the tender plants 
into premature mental growth, regardless of sound physical basis. 
If modern educationists had offered to the mind of the child at- 
tractive and comprehensible studies, they would find the stimulus 
of gain or preferment, in the shape of prizes, premiums and 
places, unnecessary to induce the child to exercise its mental 
faculties. Moreover, it is wrong to make the child labor, some- 
times above its natural powers, by holding out these inducements 
to his young, lively soul, thereby inflaming the lower passions 
of gain, pride and ambition, and poisoning its harmless, inno- 
cent existence with the bitterness and stimulus of an older age; 
vices of the same age will find an open door, and thus it is, that 
at present we frequently find our youth having become old, 
before they have been young. 



CHILDHOOD. 77 



the double nature of man is disturbed and his 
growth, in either direction, stinted. 

We have above alluded to only one of the 
many erroneous practices into which modern edu- 
cationists have fallen by attempting to raise the 
standard of education. We have shown that it is 
not in harmony with a child's development, to 
arouse in him, prematurely, one of the most 
powerful passions, without being able to bring 
into play its counterpoise, and that it is dangerous, 
even criminal, to do so, as frequently, thereby, 
diseases are provoked fatal to life and health. 
We now will add, that it is also cruel to do so, 
because the ambitious child, having strained its 
mental powers to the utmost, and still not being able 
to compete successfully, meets thereby with one of 
the most agonizing draw-backs which falls to the lot 
of man. Have you never seen the burning tears 
rolling profusely down the child's cheek, heated with 
shame or rage, after an intellectual race was lost ? 
These juvenile disappointments, the frequent and 
natural results of our present educational system, 
are as keenly felt, and as bitter in their taste, and as 
hardening in their after-effect, as those experienced 
in later years, and perhaps more so, as their severity 
is not softened by reflection or prospective repara- 
tion. The bitterness of the moment is felt in all 
its disagreeable power, and often crushes, at one 
blow, the aspirations of the young, their hopes 



78 GIKL. 



and energies. You may say that all this only lasts 
for a short time, that young blood soon forgets the 
ills of life; yes, it may be so, but nevertheless the 
young heart is deeply wounded, and although the 
wound soon heals, a sear will be left to impede the 
natural and wide expansion of the heart. We 
ought to be very careful not to offend, without good 
and wise reasons, the child's mind, because its 
sensibilities are finer and more perceptive, while 
reason and reflection are not yet very strong. 

We hope to see the day when a closer analysis 
of the peculiar organization of the juvenile mind 
shall guide those to whose care its education is 
intrusted. We are sure that after mature consider- 
ation of the subject, they will find it necessary to 
adapt their system to the developing, not to the 
developed child ; that they will treat the child as 
such, and not as if it had all the fully developed 
faculties of the adult. 

A general school system should be adopted, 
based upon the above principles, viz : the physical 
education by means of gymnastics, dancing, music, 
etc., together with instruction in the most elemen- 
tary branches of knowledge up to the tenth year 
of age, and afterwards, up to the fourteenth year, 
the higher branches of instruction together with 
higher gymnastics. Were such a system adopted, 
we should soon enjoy its good results ; the next 
generation would have strong, intelligent mothers, 



CHILDHOOD. 79 



capable of filling, in the full sense of that word, the 
responsibilities belonging to them. It is the sacred 
duty of every one comprehending the vast impor- 
tance of this subject, to work for its realization. 

Above, we have mentioned music as one of the 
elementary branches to be taught to children. It 
is necessarily comprised in a catalogue of instruc- 
tion. Music, in its composition and effect, is 
emphatically the most humanitary of arts. It 
belongs to all countries, races, sexes and ages ; it 
enters into every one's organization; its harmony 
and melody are the very soul of all that exists, 
and its tact and rythm form the mathematics, the 
crystallizing principle of the world. We cannot 
have too high an appreciation of its value, either 
as a source of enjoyment, or in the culture of body or 
mind. The child perceives and feels its influence 
as readily as the adult reads, in its swelling notes, 
the highest thoughts and sublimest sentiments. 
Music is universal in application and effect, the 
best introduction, therefore, to all other sciences 
and branches of knowledge. To exclude music 
from the schools would be a death-blow to all 
education ; its fertilizing principle would be want- 
ing, leaving a waste in the soul as barren as the 
sands of Sahara. Music, like morals, must be 
taught, practiced and enjoyed during our whole life, 
commencing with the earliest dawn of perception. 

Girls, above all, should be well instructed in 



80 GIRL. 



music ; not to make of them professional singers or 
players, but to let them enjoy and study harmony and 
ry thm, the constructors of happiness and bliss . The 
young soul and hand of a girl is ready to cultivate 
music, particularly if her mind be not over-bur- 
dened with premature knowledge of a more abstract 
nature. We recommend, therefore, instruction in 
music during the whole time devoted to education. 
For young girls, the piano forte will be the best 
instrument for instruction ; in after years the harp 
becomes an elegant and appropriate means of 
further musical study. 

The voice ought to be cultivated at the same 
time. Singing being a natural gift of the female 
ses, it would be hardly necessary here to admon- 
ish parents not to neglect its proper cultivation in 
the education of their young daughters. 

Having, thus far, considered the physical and 
intellectual condition of young girls, it remains 
for us to notice their moral and religious training. 
But as this comprises the most important elements 
of individual happiness, and as such must be left 
to the especial care of the child's natural guar- 
dians, we refrain from mentioning the means, 
necessary for the accomplishment of this object ; 
they are known to, and within reach of every one, 
as we live in a Christian country. 

One remark may not be out of place here. 
Religion, like music, is universal, and the very 



CHILDHOOD. 



81 



soul of our being ; let this soul once awake, and 
a new creation will appear, immeasurably ex- 
alted above all others. And as religion, like 
music, can be enjoyed doubly in sentiment and 
thought, it follows that its teachings can and 
should be commenced, like those of music, early 
in childhood, when the finer sensibilities of our 
nature are yet in full play, and religious sentiments 
fasten the attention of the young soul, as the soft 
tones of the iEols harp. 

Before we conclude this chapter on woman's 
girlhood, we will say yet a few words concerning 
the means of education at present in vogue. We 
have already mentioned that the popular school 
system is altogether defective as regards rational 
education. It might be thought, however, that 
female Seminaries and boarding-schools had ob- 
viated these evils and replaced them by better 
educational means ; but this is not so. They are 
even worse, in many respects, than the common 
schools of the country. Their plan of education 
is almost wholly based upon the most rigid intel- 
lectual training, destroying the physical system in 
the very bud. The number and variety of studies 
imposed upon a young girl in these institutions, 
is really frightful if not ridiculous, each establish- 
ment trying to out-do the other in these particulars. 
The programme must be full, comprehensive and 
novel; if so, it will draw pupils. Hear Eliz. 



82 GIRL. 

Blackwell, M. D., who, on this subject, must be 
set clown as good authority : 

"The most abstruse subjects, that tax the 
attention of the strongest mental powers, are pre- 
sented as studies for the young ; girls of thirteen or 
fifteen are called upon to ponder the problems of 
mental and moral philosophy, to demonstrate the 
propositions of Euclid, to understand the refine- 
ments of rhetoric and logic — admirable studies, 
truly, but they are the food of mature minds, not 
suitable to children. But it would puzzle the most 
ingenious observer, to discover the good use of 
most of our children's studies. If the object be 
mental discipline, there is no surer way of defeating 
such an object, than to attempt to give the mind a 
superficial view of a subject too difficult for it to 
grasp — to confuse it with a multitude of discon- 
nected studies — to hurry it from subject to subject, 
so that the simple studies more suited to the young 
mind, are imperfectly acquired and soon for- 
gotten. * * * How can it be otherwise, 
when the young mind has to apply itself, during 
the limited term of school study, to such a list of 
subjects as the following : Grammar, Ancient and 
Modern History, Natural Philosophy, Chemistry, 
Botany, Astronomy, Mental and Moral Philosophy, 
Physiology, Rhetoric, Composition, Elocution, 
Logic, Algebra, Geometry, Belles-Lettres ! Now for 
the accomplishments : French, Latin, Italian, per- 



CHILDHOOD. 83 



haps Spanish, German and Greek— I believe 
Hebrew is not introduced in this country — vocal 
and instrumental music, piano, harp, guitar, 
drawing, painting, and various kinds of fancy 
work." 

This is truly a formidable array of studies for 
a young girl, while she is at boarding-school. It is 
impossible for her to do full justice to all of 
them ; the attempt would certainly prove fatal to 
health. But, thanks to the native sprightliness 
of youth, they slight most, if not all of them, and 
thus manage to escape with their lives from the 
ordeal of the fashionable boarding-school. It is 
true they have acquired a smattering of knowledge 
and perhaps outward polish of manners and accom- 
plishments, but it is only superficial, imperfectly 
acquired and soon forgotten. Has anything been 
learned, really useful in after-life ? No, absolutely 
nothing, save perhaps reading and writing. And, 
as regards the first, her taste acquired in the 
boarding-school, may be anything but the best. 
Has she secured a healthy, strong body, to sustain 
her in the duties and cares which will soon follow ? 
No, her body is perhaps less strong and healthy 
than when she entered the school. How useless, 
then, nay, how ruinous, must be a system of edu- 
cation, which promises so much and effects so 
little good, aside from the real evil it does. The 
world never was punished with a worse educational 



84 GIRL. 

system, or one which so completely annihilates the 
hope of the parent and philanthropist, by nipping 
the welfare of future generations in the bud. It 
is full time for this nation to look well to its edu- 
cational matters ; because their influence is vast, 
and the most important interests are at stake. 
Reform in this respect, should take place soon, or 
the future flower of the nation will be withered 
ere yet it opens. With a total change in the 
course of studies, and the adoption of gymnastic 
instruction, the young girl will receive that kind 
of education which will fit her lor the severer 
duties of after-life. 



CHAPTER. III. 



MAIDEN", OE YOUNG LADY. 

Just before or about the time, when the girl 
becomes a maiden, or as we now say, a young 
lady, great alterations have taken place in her 
physical system; changes, the nature of which 
will, from this time onward, affect her whole future 
for evil or good. At the same time the girl's 
mind receives a new direction; she behaves 
differently, is more reserved in her conduct, and 
more careful in her appearance before others. The 
monthly pe-riod, or menstruation has appeared. 

As it is important for mothers to know the use 
and signification of this periodical discharge, 
which is the herald of such vast changes in the 
female economy, and the balance-wheel of her 
health during the most eventful period of her life, 
we will treat of it in these pages more fully, 
showing its origin and connection with other vital 
processes, occurring simultaneously in the system. 
As in the course of explanations for this purpose, 
it will be necessary to make the reader acquainted 
with the most secret and sacred proceedings of 



86 MAIDEN. 



nature, we will endeavor to convey this informa- 
tion in a manner as little exceptionable as possible. 

A mother should have a correct knowledge of 
these processes, so intimately connected with her 
own and the happiness of her daughters, dispens- 
ing continually either health or disease. If it is 
not given to her correctly, her natural cariosity, 
impelled by the interest attached to the strange 
phenomenon, will incite her to procure from other 
sources, wherever she can, such knowledge on this 
subject as may, perhaps, lead her into misery and 
danger. 

Before the true nature of menstruation, its 
cause and object was fully known, the treatment 
of female diseases, depending on menstrual disor- 
ders, was very uncertain and hazardous. Eecent 
investigations have dispelled this doubt and uncer- 
tainty ; the anatomist and physiologist have 
combined to reveal to us these most secret trans- 
actions of nature, thereby enabling the physician 
to prevent and cure their diseases more success- 
fully. Information so important and useful, 
should not be withheld from the people, if we can 
correct thereby the many erroneous opinions which 
are yet afloat respecting menstruation, its origin 
and signification in female development. 

The menses have been generally considered the 
surest evidence of a girl having passed into the 
state of womanhood. In most cases, particularly 



YOUNG LADY. 87 



in healthy girls, this is true. But as menstruation 
is not properly the cause of this change, but only 
an outward sign of those internal preparations 
necessary for such a change, it may frequently 
occur that, by some morbid conditions, this 
periodical discharge does not make its appearance, 
although, from other unmistakable signs, the girl 
has become a young woman. 

These signs which, besides menstruation, indi- 
cate the approach of womanhood, arise commonly 
between the twelfth and fourteenth year. Some 
are invariably present, such as the increased size 
of the hips and breasts, the roundness and swelling 
of the limbs, the perceptible fullness of the whole 
form; others are variable in their occurrence, 
having reference more to mental development. 

The girl, talkative, roguish and romping, 
becomes at once reserved, retiring, sometimes 
even sad and easily moved to tears. She begins 
to dress with more care, and is more observing 
anxiously and silently ; her whole soul is filled 
with gentle emotions. She longs to enjoy the 
pleasures of sincere, disinterested friendship, 
that love in a bud, which makes life a de- 
lightful journey. In this state of mind, she 
clings to her mother for advice and counsel, 
showing more affection towards her than here- 
tofore. Then it is that a mother can exert the 

most beneficent influence over this developing, 

e2 



MAIDEN. 



interesting creature, just ready to become a woman. 
In this time of fear and hope, the mother ought 
to instruct and counsel her as to the meaning and 
import of the various phenomena, so strange to 
the trembling girl, but of the utmost importance 
to the developed woman. At first, naturally 
modest, the girl will often hide from the sight of 
the mother, what she considers to be singular and 
wrong. The first appearance of the menses may 
even frighten the timid girl, who does not know 
the meaning of such an occurrence. A watchful 
mother or female friend, should never fail to give 
the girl such instruction and advice as will dispel 
her fears and guide her actions* 

A general development of form and size takes 
place mostly from four to six months, prior to the 
first appearance of the menses. This first out- 
break, like the teething of infants, is frequently 
accompanied by many morbid symptoms, princi- 
pally of a nervous and congestive nature, such as 
head-ache, palpitation of the heart, sensation of 
smothering, irritable, quick and impatient tem- 
perament, sometimes followed of a sudden by 
sadness and depression of spirits, restless nights, 
pains in the small of the back and loins, etc. 
These symptoms disappear as soon as the discharge 
commences, which may last at the first time for 
two or three days. The proper average duration 
of the courses afterwards, is five days ; if it is 



YOUNG LADY. 89 



below or above this standard, it is caused by morbid 
conditions or other modifying circumstances. 

As it is all-important for the health of the girl 
to have the menses established well and regularly, 
it is necessary not to overlook, in the beginning, 
those morbid symptoms, above alluded to. They 
may be ignored once or twice without producing 
serious injury ; but if the menses continue to be 
accompanied with pains in the back, cramps in the 
stomach, etc., we must not neglect to call in 
medical advice. We refer the reader to Part II., 
where, under the head of " Difficult Menstrua- 
tion" the remedial course to be pursued in such 
a case, is indicated. The nature of these pains 
and apparent obstructions will be understood after 
a consideration of the internal proceedings con- 
nected with menstruation and its object. 

Puberty in a female, or the aptitude of becoming 
a mother, is produced by the action of two small 
bodies, lying on each side of the uterus, and 
connected with it by small tubes, leading into its 
cavity. These small, oval-shaped bodies are 
called ovaries, or egg-teds. They are composed 
of a formative material, called stroma, which 
contains small vesicles, ova or eggs, the con- 
struction of which, in all its essential parts, is 
similar to the common egg, when yet without the 
external shell, even as regards the presence of the 
yelk, the main dependence of the growing germ. 



e3 



90 MAIDEN. 



Their size, however, is extremely small, not ex- 
ceeding that of a pin's head. The same wonderful 
arrangement obtains in the vegetable kingdom, 
which also propagates its kind by means of ova, 
or little eggs, as far as is known at present. For 
these astonishing and interesting discoveries, we 
are mainly indebted to the microscope, by the aid 
of which the exact structure of the various parts 
engaged in these proceedings was fully revealed, 
and their function determined. We will presently 
see with what precision and harmony the different 
organs co-operate to facilitate the propagation of 
the species. 

The little egg^ which we will call hereafter 
ovule, lies dormant, enclosed in a sack, until it 
becomes stimulated by the reproductive power of 
the system, which, as we now know, returns peri- 
odically in the human female about every month. 
At that time it begins to grow, bursts the sack, 
and escapes into the Fallopian tube, which carries 
it into the cavity of the uterus. In single life it 
passes away with the menstrual discharge, which, 
as a secretion of the uterus, is just then excited by 
the same reproductive power of the system. In 
married life, when the conditions of nature are 
fulfilled, the ovule is retained within the cavity of 
the womb and there developes to a perfect human 
being. The explanation of this process will be 
given in another place of the book. For us it 



YOUNG LADY. 91 



is, in this connection, important to know that 
menstruation stands in the closest relation to the 
generative power and process of nature; that its 
healthful appearance is indicative of a perfect 
development of these forces, but that a premature 
hastening, or a tardy appearance of the menses by 
disease or artificial means, must injure the above 
named functions and thereby the whole female 
system, formed, in a physical respect, especially 
for that purpose. 

As already stated, menstruation appears about 
the fourteenth year; this may be considered the 
normal standard, although frequent deviations from 
this rule may take place. If it occurs earlier, 
diverse circumstances may have hastened its ap- 
pearance, such as luxurious habits, indolence, 
sensual indulgences, reading of novels, etc.; also 
sedentary habits and too close application to study, 
have a great tendency to produce menstruation 
in advance of the other signs of womanhood, 
mentioned above, which must precede the menses. 

A girl must have become, first, broader across 
the hips, the breasts must have enlarged, and her 
form filled up in rounded outlines, before a health- 
ful menstrual discharge can be expected. If this 
is not the case, the cause of the non-appearance of 
the period lies in the backward ovarian develop- 
ment, which generally has its foundations in the 

qualitative deterioration of the blood. This then 

e4 



92 MAIDEN. 



has to be ameliorated before the menses can appear. 
The remedies to effect this will be indicated in the 
Part II. 

From the above it will appear how useful,, in 
a practical point of view, these discoveries have 
become, directing our remedial means to the places 
really diseased. A physician, without a clear 
comprehension of these secret occurrences would be 
unable to treat successfully their disorders. Action 
without knowledge becomes frequently fatal. An 
instance of this is related by Dr. Dixon, as follows: 

"We have seen cases, in which mothers 
demanded importunately medical treatment for 
children, possessing not a single sign of woman- 
hood ; and upon one occasion, in which we very 
unwisely refused to prescribe for a young girl, 
death was the consequence of a powerful medicine 
administered by a well-meaning, though ignorant 
parent. In this instance we might, by apparently 
yielding to the parent's desire, or by prescribing 
some harmless drug, have gained time, as re- 
commended by some humane physicians, until 
menstruation was produced by the effort of nature. 
The case made at the time a strong impression 
upon our sympathies, and we determined to use 
our humble powers of popular instruction, when 
time and experience had given us more knowledge 
of the subject." 

If menstruation is once established, it generally 



YOUNG LADY. 93 



returns every twenty-eight clays. Its duration each 
time is about from five to six days. Its too early 
or too late appearance depends mostly upon 
morbid constitutionality, engendered by heritage 
or wrong habits, by diseases having a special 
reference to the uterine region, luxurious living, 
etc The amount of menstrual discharge varies 
very much. The normal standard, however, may 
be set down safely at from five to eight ounces 
during each monthly period. Yet, this can not 
rule individual cases, which are governed by 
peculiarities in constitution and habits. If the 
woman remains healthy, the object of nature is 
fulfilled. 

The same constitutionality governs the time of 
appearance, and may modify the normal standard 
of twenty-eight days frequently, without inflicting 
any injury upon the general health. 

Having thus dwelt at length on the nature of 
those proceedings which, silently preparing for 
action during childhood, break forth at last in the 
monthly period, as the surest outward sign of the 
important change from childhood to womanhood ; 
having considered its origin, use and effect in the 
female system, we are now prepared to follow the 
young woman in the different spheres of her 
activity. She has not alone changed her physical 
appearance, as we have seen, but her moral nature 
also differs essentially from that of the child. 
s5 



94 MAIDEN. 



While a child, that is before the appearance of 
her monthly period, her mental faculties were less 
engaged with the proper, nice and decorous. She 
was unobserving, careless as to drawing the atten- 
tion of others towards her; she yet participated 
to a certain extent, in the free, romping, even 
wild character of the boy. She had yet to be 
governed by others, parents and teachers ; the rule 
within herself, that priceless jewel and powerful 
weapon of a female, womanly modesty, had not 
yet commenced to guide her steps and desires, 
which hitherto expressed themselves as mere 
appetites. She was still a school-girl, thoughtless, 
sprightly and joyous. 

But scarcely has she passed the Rubicon of 
woman's development, when the wild, romping 
girl becomes thoughtful and retiring ; she dresses 
with neatness and elegance ; her gait and carriage 
assumes an elastic dignity; she is anxious to 
please and to be observed ; her motions and de- 
sires are regulated by gracefulness and modesty. 
Although yet under the guidance of her parents 
and teachers, she already thinks and acts for 
herself; she feels that she has responsibilities and 
duties. 

If she has been educated religiously, she will 
now realize more the comfort of an intelligent 
address to the Supreme Being, and feel the need 
of a reliance on Divine assistance, the more she 



YOUNG LADY. 



becomes acquainted with the deceitfulness of the 
world. The closet will be a favored place for 
her, and the teachings of the Bible, which now 
become practical and real, will be sweet and price- 
less to her heart. The position, which a christian 
young lady occupies, is elevated beyond. any other, 
if she feels and understands her duties in this 
respect. 

The heart, whose throbbings she now begins to 
feel, for good or evil, for the glitter of fashionable 
society, or for the high, noble truths of science 
and religion — this swelling, loving heart will be 
regulated for the better, in its desires and loves by 
the mild but earnest teachings of the Gospel. 
From this book she should never cease to draw 
the spiritual nourishment of which she now stands 
in need, perhaps more than ever. In youth, lay 
up the stores for a more advanced age. The 
young lady should be the last to neglect the closet, 
with its meditations and prayers, or the public 
service, with its high moral teachings and devo- 
tional sublimities. 

In the family circle, the maiden occupies a 
peculiarly interesting and useful position. She is 
the pride of the father, the hope of the mother, and 
the cherished object of brother and sister. Towards 
the younger members of the family she feels and 
acts like a mother, while they look up to her as 
such. She becomes, by degrees, the support and 



96 MAIDEN. 

delight of her mother, the link by which the past 
and present are bound closer together, and are 
made to understand and love each other. She is 
now destined to become more and more acquainted 
with the practical duties of life. Although her 
studies in the school or under private instruction, 
are still progressing, her mind already inclines to 
be occupied, not alone with the abstract, but also 
with the real. The many little affairs of life as 
they occur among her associates, or in social circles 
generally, engage her attention and stimulate her 
action. Slowly, but surely, does this preparation 
of her girlish nature for the arduous duties of a 
married life, proceed, sometimes stimulated by 
outward excitement, (public lectures, festivities, 
etc.,) and inward impulses, (the dawnings of a 
■first love,) or at other times checked and purified 
by the teachings at home and abroad. 

At home, under the eyes of her mother, she is 
made acquainted with the duties of the house and 
family. She will be taught how to regulate the 
simple but various affairs of a household, which 
seemingly small and unimportant, confer, by being 
constantly and scrupulously attended to, such an 
attractive charm on everything connected with 
home and the fireside. Her own genius soon 
breaks forth in creating, ever and anon, new plans 
and devices in beautifying the home of her youth. 
Her fancy, order and constructiveness are con- 



YOUNG LADY. 97 



stantly at work to adorn the rooms and apartments 
with mementos of her genial presence. She loves 
the home which she has thus embellished, and 
thereby made her own. To her it becomes the 
temple within which is contained all she cherishes 
and all she as yet desires to love. 

If thus far her soul has not been poisoned by 
the vile fancies of bad literature, she will enjoy this 
happiest part of her existence, in the most perfect 
fulness of bliss and peace. The undefiled soul of 
a young maiden, presents the most lovely picture 
of purity and intelligence, which it is possible, in 
human form, to behold, provided her physical 
development has not been stinted by gross inter- 
ference or serious accident. 

The period of maidenhood is a time of physical 
development, and requires, therefore, a continua- 
tion of gymnastic exercises, which have a tendency 
to invigorate and confirm that constitution and 
health, thus far acquired by the bodily exertions 
during childhood. It will be an easy and grateful 
task, amounting even to a luxury and necessity., 
for the young girl to prosecute her exercises in 
the gymnasium, if her body was previously trained 
for them during childhood. To the readiness of 
execution acquired by long practice, she now adds 
gracefulness, elasticity and precision, which con- 
stitute the very poetry of motion. 

A firm, elastic step and buoyant carriage, can 



98 MAIDEN. 



only be acquired by those whose muscles are 
trained and strengthened for every movement of 
the body. It belongs essentially to youth, and 
constitutes one of its most attractive charms ; it is 
the surest evidence of health, both of body and 
mind, rendering its possessor most agreeable to 
others, and adding not a little to individual happi- 
ness and contentment. For the days will surely 
come, when we have to depend upon a sound 
physical constitution, in order to sustain ourselves 
under the weight of bodily labor and mental agita- 
tion. This is the reason that nature consumes 
so long a time in preparing, gradually, the physical 
system through childhood and maidenhood, until 
the perfect woman is formed, in all respects able 
to meet the arduous duties of a wife and a mother, 
in the full strength and maturity of body and mind. 
Nothing is so fallacious and disastrous for a 
young lady, as the thought, that in married life, she 
would have no hardships to encounter and no sor- 
rows to bear, but live in ease, harmony and quiet. 
If her imagination has been busy to paint the mar- 
ried state only as a paradise of pleasure, she will 
probably be desirous to hasten into it as fast as 
opportunities may offer ; and these, in our country, 
are not very rare. Girls, at the present day, marry 
too soon and too rashly. In doing so, they not only 
loose the longer enjoyment of free, happy girlhood, 
which itself constitutes the most pleasant and 



YOUNG LADY. 99 



joyful period of female life, but they run the fearful 
risk of making themselves unhappy and invalids 
for life, by rushing into duties and responsibilities 
for which they are unprepared, physically and 
mentally. 

It is our firm conviction that the female con- 
stitution, generally speaking, is only sufficiently 
consolidated and established at twenty-one years 
of age ; marriage before that time must, more or 
less, operate injuriously to health and comfort. 
But very few exceptions to this rule may be found 
where girls of eighteen years have acquired the 
physical perfection of those of twenty-one. 

To prevent precocious development in this 
respect, mothers should guide their daughters in 
the selection of their social companions, with all 
due respect to particular predilections or favored 
persons. If it should be found necessary to inter- 
fere, it should be done mildly and persuasively, 
because a mother will gain more by instruction 
and reasoning, than by a harsh and seemingly 
tyrannical course. The female mind of this country 
has preserved one of the finest traits which can 
adorn any human character, that of great indepen- 
dence in will and action. It is, one might say, 
born with them, strengthened by education, and 
favored by circumstances and public opinion. 
Against such a powerful combination of forces, 
the will of an imprudently harsh mother, rarely 



100 MAIDEN. 



avails anything ; even the wrath of a father but adds 
fuel to the name. Youthful impulses, strengthened 
by the love of independence, soon overthrow all 
parental barriers, and the elopement is no sooner 
determined upon than it is also carried out. 

But if the young girl should receive from her 
parents or guardians, instead of a lecture on filial 
duties alone, lessons in regard to her physical 
position, giving her a true account of the bodily 
development during girlhood, the inexorable laws 
of nature, which cannot be disregarded by any one 
without the most serious and even fatal conse- 
quences, we have no doubt fewer elopements or 
premature marriages would take place, and a great 
deal of misery would be prevented. The following 
remarks of the New York Tribune are here in 
point : 

"The popular notions on runaway matches, 
fomented by the ' yellow covered' literature of 
the day, are exceedingly lax and mistaken. The 
young Miss who elopes from the parental roof to 
marry some adventurer who was probably un- 
known to her last year, is often represented as a 
girl of rare spirit, who does a remarkably clever 
and admirable thing. We hold, on the contrary, 
that in a great majority of cases, her elopement is 
unwise, giddy, ungrateful, immodest, and evinces 
a lascivious appetite and reckless disposition. 
Why should she desert and distress those who 



YOUNG LADY. 101 



have loved, nurtured and cherished her through all 
her past years, to throw herself into the arms of a 
comparative stranger, who has clone nothing for 
her, and whose protestations of affection have yet to 
undergo the first trial ? It is every way unworthy 
of pure and gentle maidenhood to do so. 

"We can imagine but one excuse for her elooe- 
ment — namely, the efforts of parents or guardians 
to coerce her into marrying some one she does not 
love. To avoid such a fate, she is justified in 
running away ; for no parent has or ever had a 
right to constrain a daughter to marry against her 
will. But where the parents are willing to wait, 
the daughter should also consent to wait until her 
choice is assented to or she attains her legal ma- 
jority. Then, if she chooses to marry in opposition 
to her parents' wishes, let her quit their home 
openly, frankly, in broad daylight, and in such a 
manner as shall kindly but utterly preclude any 
pretence that her act is clandestine or ill-consid- 
ered. No one should be persuaded or coerced 
to marry where she does not love ; but to wait a 
year or two for the assent of those who have all 
her life done what they could for her welfare, no 
daughter should esteem a hardship. 

There is some truth to be told about the 'common 
run' of masculine prowlers by night about garden- 
walls and under bed-room windows, in quest of 
opportunities to pour seducing flatteries into the 



102 MAIDEN. 



ears of simple misses ; but we have no time to tell 
it now. As a general rule, they are licentious, 
good-for-nothing adventurers, who would much 
rather marry a living than work for it, and who 
speculate on the chances of ' bringing the old folks 
round' after a year or two. A true man would 
not advise, much less urge, the woman lie loved to 
take a step which must inevitably lessen the 
respect felt for her, and violate the trust reposed 
in her by those who had loved and cherished her 
all her days. 

"The marriage of girls of fourteen to seventeen 
years is a very prevalent cause of personal and 
transmitted evil and suffering. Prematurely taxed 
with the care and nourishment of children, their 
constitutions give way, and at thirty, they are 
already on the downhill of life. Eighteen is the 
youngest age at which any one should marry; 
twenty to twenty-three is much better." 

But as it is, modern education, badly conceived 
and foolishly patronized, has but one aim, that of 
hastening as fast as possible, the bridal day. 
Mothers seem to rival each other in the hot haste 
with which they seek to secure suitable matches for 
their daughters. In this respect, their ardor is less 
excusable than the noble but mistaken instinct of a 
young girl, which leads her to an elopement, and 
certainly more injurious, because more universal. 
A girl is hardly fit to receive attention in view 



YOUNG LADY. 



103 



of a future marriage relation, before her eighteenth 
year, at which time her understanding and dis- 
crimination are fully awake, to guide the affections 
in a proper selection. She is then able to 
appreciate, understandingly, the character of those 
who approach her, and to love and esteem the true 
and manly one, who, by degrees, shall win her 
heart and hand. 

In an important transaction like this, it is well 
not to be too much in haste. Persons who con- 
template becoming partners for life, ought to 
understand each other's characters perfectly, before 
they solemnly consummate their union. For this 
purpose, the time from eighteen to twenty-one can 
be employed most advantageously. During this 
period, the affections of the young lady having 
been bestowed in love and devotion, should 
become settled and confirmed in understanding 
and esteem. 

It is a misfortune of our times, that young 
ladies are allowed, and even hastened on, to finish 
their education, as the phrase goes. Its effect on 
the young mind is decidedly bad, as it produces 
the impression of having learned all that is needed, 
while in truth, we never finish our education ; no 
one does, not even the most learned and accom- 
plished. How, then, can we imagine, that a girl 
of sixteen or seventeen can have completed her 
education ? Does she not need more knowledge 



104 MAIDEN. 



than she has received during a few years in a 
boarding-school ? Certainly ; if she only would 
apply herself to acquire it. 

But she has finished her education, and under 
this mistaken belief, many a young lady is thrown 
into the giddy whirlpool of modern society, into 
the lively, gay, yet oftentimes very monotonous 
circles of fashionable life. Here, indeed, more 
than in the quiet of home, will she be able to 
forget that she still has something to learn. So 
little of the truly needful and great in man does the 
present state of fashionable society require, that 
if the outward finish is only given, it pronounces 
education to be finished. 

But we trust that sensible mothers and sensible 
girls will think differently from the leaders of 
fashion and its circles. They may participate in 
their gatherings, without becoming fascinated by 
their vain and transient pleasures, to such an 
extent as to draw them away from life's higher 
duties and more enduring joys. Hear a writer 
on education: 

" When a young lady is seventeen years of age, 
if she enjoys good health, she is beginning to 
have that vigor of mind which enables her to 
make intellectual acquisitions. Two or three 
years, then devoted energetically to study, will 
store her mind with treasures more valuable to 
her than gold. She will be thus able to command 



YOUNG LADY. 105 



a husband's respect and retain his love. Her 
children will feel that they have indeed a mother. 
Her home will be one worthy the name, where a 
mother's accomplished mind and a glowing heart 
will diffuse their heavenly influence. An angel 
might covet the mission which is assigned to a 
mother. Your child, who thinks of finishing her 
education at sixteen, may soon have entrusted to 
her keeping a son, in whose soul may glow the 
energies of Milton, or of Newton, or of Wash- 
ington. God did not make her to play a waltz or 
dance a polka. She is created a little lower than 
the angels. When the waning stars expire, she 
•is still to go careering on in immortality, till she 
reaches that happiness — in the presence of God. 
Appreciate the exaltation of her nature, her 
duties, and her destiny." 

Education still remains the principal business 
of the young lady during the hours which she can 
spare from the performance of those duties she 
owes to her God, her parents, and society. How 
well she can employ these precious hours, as yet 
free of care and trouble; no tedium need over- 
come, no wish for excitement render her unhappy. 
Hundreds of legitimate branches of knowledge 
and accomplishments invite her attention, if she 
only is willing to follow the noble impulse of 
acquiring them, rather than of idling away the 
precious time of youth, or of spending it in 



106 MAIDEN. 



vanities and gossiping. This is the period of 
life, emphatically her own, when more than at any 
other, she can dispose of herself, her time and 
occupations, This time she should, by all means, 
endeavor to improve; it is too valuable to be 
lost, for once squandered it never can be regained. 
How often have we heard the remark : If I only 
had paid attention to this or that in my youth, I 
would now know what to do ; it is too late to 
learn it, etc. These confessions are humbling, 
but they are not the worst. Idleness in youth 
brings shame upon more mature years, and ought 
to be regarded as a foolish, unsafe companion. 



But more than that, it is also criminal in view 
of our destiny as men, and our duty to provide in 
time for reverses which may come hereafter. 

The poor have to be diligent: they have to 
acquire knowledge, in order to gain a subsistence ; 
and the rich ought to do the same, in order to be 
useful to others, or to be able, if need should 
demand it, of supporting themselves by their own 
exertions. 

"We remind the reader of the many instructive 
lessons which have been practically taught, by 
those who experienced in exile, the horrible 
reverses of fortune during the French revolution. 
Necessity then compelled many a delicate hand to 
work for a livelihood, either for herself or to 
sustain those she loved. Reverses of fortune, 



YOUNG LADY. 107 



however, may occur at any time, and it becomes 
even the richest to provide for them. No pro- 
vision excels the one which we may prepare j 
within ourselves, by enlarging the sphere of our j 
capabilities. 

Young ladies may employ their time variously. 
Music, the arts and sciences, offer wide fields for 
pleasure and employment. Whatever is in this 
respect most agreeable to her, she has a right to 
choose. Besides the instructions in the household 
duties, which claim her paramount attention, she 
will find sufficient time to direct her mind to the 
higher spheres of knowledge and refinement. Let 
her bear in mind, however, that whatever she 
prefers in this line, she must have firmness enough 
to continue to cultivate with assiduity. One 
might prefer the study of mathematics, another 
one that of drawing, painting, botany, astronomy 
or the classics. 

If she undertakes to cultivate any art or 
science, let her do so with heart and head in order 
to become perfect in it. In such a case only, it 
will be a source of great pleasure and recreation 
to her, refining the sentiments, enriching the under- 
standing, and strengthening the will. Such is the 
education which we have to pursue constantly, 
and which never will end, not even with our lives. 

A young lady, therefore, has not finished her 
education when she leaves boarding-school, but 



108 MAIDEN. 



has just commenced it, and should continue it in 
such a manner that she may become perfect in 
some accomplishment, art or science, which would 
render her independent of the assistance of others, 
if adverse circumstances, or freaks of fortune, 
should overwhelm her and those near her. For- 
tune is the most fickle of dames. 

Many of our readers may consider these 
allusions to mere external wealth and its uncer- 
tainty, as not belonging to the department of 
ladies, who in their sphere of life,\have only the 
spending and not the making of money. It is 
true, woman in the beginning of society did not 
receive that special mission, to "earn thy bread 
by the sweat of thy brow," and during all subse- 
quent ages, she has, as a general rule, been 
relieved from those particular cares assigned to 
man, as the provider of the family. But if this is 
and will remain true in regard to her destiny, the 
other sentence is not less so, that she shall be an 
help-meet to man, not merely to spend the means 
he has provided, but also to husband them wisely, 
and if possible and necessary, to enlarge them. 
It must be acknowledged that neither the education 
of our girls, nor the general tenor of the state of 
society, fit them for the fulfillment of such a task. 

Neither can we hope that they will do so, while 
their parents indulge the morbid desires of emu- 
lating each other in making an external show of 



YOUNG LADY. 109 



themselves, their houses, horses, carriages, furni- 
ture, etc., oftentimes to such an extent, that the 
complete ruin of a household and business 
reputation is v the consequence. Those, whose 
yearly income would hardly, upon sober second 
thought, justify such aimless expenditures, never- 
theless rush blindly ahead, under the mistaken 
idea of thus upholding their respectability in the 
eyes of those who happen to be Astors or Girards. 
Luxury and unnecessary expenses, to an incredible 
amount, have thus been augmented throughout 
the country, until they have become almost a part 
of its social existence. 

From the non-producing class of society, those 
who by inheritance, or other favorable circum- 
stance, became possessed of immense wealth, this 
love of external show in dress, houses, parties, 
etc., "'has descended to the producers, those who 
yet have to live by the sweat of their brow. It 
cannot be denied that the latter, in trying to 
imitate the former in luxurious appearances, have 
caused this lamentable state of things, this 
degrading and ruinous ambition of appearing 
wealthy. It is ruinous, because the experience of 
every day confirms it to be so ; thousands of 
families every year sink down from a comfortable 
state of opulence, to penury and want, with 
mortifying remembrances of the past, and blasted 
hopes of the future. It is degrading, because it 



110 MAIDEN. 



makes mere outward show, dry-goods and horses, 
a test of respectability, things and animals, the 
possession of which, should not, in the estimation 
of sensible people, add the least mite to one's 
station. 

We here 'involuntarily remember the caustic 
anecdote of Franklin, related by him to the 
Legislature of Pennsylvania, that in case the right 
of voting should depend on the possession of 
property to the amount of twenty dollars, the 
death of an ass might deprive a freeman of that 
right. The illustration was to the point, and 

'"brought at once conviction to minds that shortly 
before were ready to vote themselves into the 
ridiculous position of granting to the ass the right 
of suffrage. Substitute, in his place, dry-goods, 
horses, carriages, and other such necessary articles 
of high life, wherewith some people fancy they 
become respectable, and they stand in the same 
ridiculous attitude ; as soon as the horses are gone, 
their respectability departs with them. Would 
they might listen to Franklin's story, and follow 
its moral, as the Pennsylvania Legislature did. 

^ But poverty and mental degradation are not 
the only injuries which result from expenditures 
inadequate to the income. The example thus held 
out by the inconsiderate parents to their children, 
leads them into every extravagance imaginable, 
and in the case of daughters, into a love of external 



YOUNG LADY. Ill 



finery and its concomitants, poisoning their very 
souls with falsities and dissipations of all kinds. 

A young lady, once infected with this show- 
rnania, will scarcely be able to fix her attention 
upon matters relating to the improvement of her 
mind. She has no relish for serious study, or the 
acquisition of those accomplishments which, if 
possessed in a certain degree of perfection, make 
her indeed respectable in the eyes of sensible 
people. She wastes the precious time of her 
youth in the most trifling and childish manner, 
preparing for the glitter of the ball-room, and 
listening to the shallow gossiping of parties. In 
arranging her dress and outward appearance, she 
is not led to follow the dictates of her own sense 
of the beautiful, in doing which some good might 
result even from the folly of extravagance ; no, 
she is continually dictated to by the representative 
of fashion, the milliner, or the Journal des Modes, 
which, like an inexorable tyrant, holds the whole 
female world in utter subjection. She has only to 
follow the stern mandates from Paris, and to 
please the Goddess of Fashion, has to make an 
exhibition of herself in the ball-room, theatre, at 
an evening, rather night party, or even in the 
street, where she often appears during the fore- 
noon, in full, dress, going from store to store, 
ostensibly on business, but really only to show 
herself in full, fashionable costume, to the passing 
f2 



112 MAIDEN* 



crowds of a busy city, composed of all kinds of 
people, to whom, of course, her glittering appear- 
ance is a point of attraction. To be noticed by 
the crowd is the height of her ambition; the 
dignity of her female nature does not rise, to 
inquire into the real worth of this triumph of dry- 
goods, fastened to her body. If it did, she would 
at once observe that she had paraded her finery 
mostly before a mixture of people, from the colored 
laborer in the street, to the stately senator on the 
side-walk. No one was prevented from feasting 
his eyes on the gaudy colors of her dress, and 
admiring the milky whiteness of her satin slippers, 
to say nothing about the costly display of sparkling 
jewelry; 

In thus trifling away her best days, the young 
lady, brought up to such a life of frivolity and 
dissipation, cannot fulfill one of the most universal 
and beautiful laws by which the Creator has 
blessed the world, that of the bestowing of gifts 
for useful purposes. 

No object or animated being is without its use 
in the world, certainly the glory of the creation, 
man, cannot form an exception. Animals follow 
their appetites and instincts, and their use is 
regulated by the necessities of nature. Man, on 
the contrary, fulfills his destiny by the dictates of 
reason, and the uses for which this power was 
given, are matters of his own choice, his own 



YOUNG LADY. 113 



free will. This is a God-like position, and the 
consciousness of its relation is of such vast 
importance to each individual, that we cannot 
refrain from drawing the attention of the reader 
to its particular application in the case of young 
ladies. 

What satisfaction can a rational being have in 
living without some laudable object worthy of 
pursuit, and the high destiny for which we were 
created ? 

"We certainly must concede that pleasure in 
the form of gratifying the senses, by whatever 
means it may be, should not be the highest object 
of a rational being, either in youth or maturity. 
On the contrary, experience in a thousand cases, 
has taught us that a constant devotion to the search 
for mere pleasure, leads us away from the paths 
of duty and happiness, into the dark regions of 
despair and remorse. 

It is true, we are all weak by nature, and 
prone to yield easily to the inviting voice of 
pleasure and dissipation. But if persons of a 
more advanced age and experience are not firm 
against the temptations of idle and mere pleasura- 
ble moments, how much more exposed to their 
follies and snares are those young in years and 
full of imagination and excitability. 

Let a young lady commence her career in the 
right, truly humanitary direction; show her the 



f3 



114 MAIDEN. 



purposes of life, the objects of her high destiny, 
and she will in all probability, continue in this 
path of usefulness and happiness. If this is not 
done, but in its stead, the young girl is encouraged 
by example and advice to commence her life in 
folly and fashionable dissipation, she will end it 
in misery and suffering. Hear Eliz. Blaekwell, 
M. D., on this subject; she is an excellent ob- 
server, particularly in things referring to her own 
sex ; her language is pertinent. In her admirable 
little book, " Laws of Life,"* she gives a faithful 
picture of the manner in which young ladies now- 
a-days, frequently waste their time, preparing the 
ruin of their future happiness. She says : 

"The life of the young lady on leaving school, 
is little calculated to restore lost power, or to excite 
to a truer and healthier action by the presentation 
of noble objects of interest. What is there, in 
fact, presented to her worthy of pursuit ? School 
discipline has not prepared her for serious study ; 
indeed, study without an object, is of little worth, 
and she has no object in view for which grave 
preparation is necessary. The attention to domes- 
tic arrangements does not particularly interest her ; 
indeed, by the age of sixteen or seventeen, she 
has learned all of household economy that she will 
learn at all, till called upon to practise it. There 

-' *We recommend this excellent work to our readers, entreating 
them to give it a most earnest perusal. 



YOUNG LADY. 115 



are no schemes of organized benevolence to attract 
youthful activity and kind-heartedness, and teach 
to the young mind a deeper and darker lesson of 
life than it has yet learned ; it is very seldom that 
the young can profitably engage in these enter- 
prises. With the large mass of girls, gossip and 
frivolous amusements become, now, the chief 
business of the day ; they have had no serious 
preparation for life, they know nothing of its 
realities, its wants, its duties — so the valuable 
moments are laughed and chatted away; every 
incident furnishes a theme for idle talk — church- 
society — promenades through the streets — all be- 
come subjects of gossip ; novels are devoured to 
satisfy the new thoughts and desires that are 
springing up — parties, amusements of all kinds 
are eagerly sought for — the dictates of prudence, 
the requirements of bodily health, are alike disre- 
garded; till at length, the giddy career is cut 
short by marriage!' 3 

The above statement is not exaggerated, as 
every one will acknowledge, who has observed the 
occupations and doings of many young girls in 
our present day. One of the results of such a task- 
less career is, as rightly stated by Miss Blackwell, 
the early, premature marriage, hastily entered into 
without the knowledge of its duties and respon- 
sibilities. Parents are perhaps seldom aware, that 
they have aided in producing this unfortunate result- 



116 MAIDEN. 



by giving their daughter such ample opportunities 
to idleness and extravagance. The former leads 
her to seek excitement in novels, and in a society 
not much better than these useless and often bad 
books; the latter destroys all the relish for the 
cultivation of the serious objects of life and ren- 
ders her a mere plaything for milliners, besides 
that it makes her indeed a dear child of her parents, 
who frequently wish her to be married that they 
may be rid of the expense. 

Thus this early extravagance in dress and 
fashion often is the means of loosening the chords 
of affection between parent and child, becoming, 
thereby, the most awful enemy modern society has 
allowed to creep into its very life. 

Notions of extravagance have been steadily on 
the increase ever since this country departed from 
the patriotic ways of its early fathers. In those 
times, true-hearted affection dwelt around the 
family hearth, and a father or a mother saw with 
tearful eyes and sorrowful hearts, the beloved 
daughter depart from the home of her childhood. 
She had been a daughter to them in the full sense 
of the word, never an expense or a trouble, and 
they felt in that moment her loss. 

But now-a-days, the case is different ; many a 
father feels relieved when the daughter's extrava- 
gances have to be paid by another one's purse, 
and in view of this, his paternal affection, which 



YOUNG LADY. 117 



may be otherwise ever so keenly alive, becomes 
silent and stnpified by the unnatural propensity of 
luxury and pleasure. 

Thus, one evil creates the other; undue 
extravagance leads not merely to financial ruin, 
but often, also, to bankruptcy of soul, and heart, 
the greatest calamity of the two, because the most 
irreparable. Nothing is so blighting in its effects 
upon individual and social happiness, as a morbid 
craving after the useless and giddy pleasures of 
so-called fashionable and high life. While a 
moderate participation in its pleasures is not 
objectionable, nay, becomes, sometimes, a recrea- 
tion or amounts to a duty, as the case may be, an 
all-absorbing desire for them, annihilates the great 
purpose of human existence, and withers, particu- 
larly in young ladies, the tlower of life before it 
can spread itself out in full bloom, to shed abroad 
the rich perfume of loveliness and usefulness. 

To attain the latter end, that is, to prepare the 
young lady for her true destiny and duty, no efforts 
should be spared by parents or teachers. 

Her physical constitution should be strength- 
ened by sufficient and regular exercise, in-doors, by 
attending to the various duties of a house-hold 
and out-doors, by walking, riding on horseback, or 
other means. 

Her moral and intellectual faculties should be 
cultivated by an earnest attention to, and study of, 
f5 



118 MAIDEN. 



the various branches of art, science and religion. 
To interest her in the pursuit of such various 
knowledge, she should be allowed to bring each of 
them, when sufficiently acquired, into practical 
execution, as this, more than anything else, stimu- 
lates the female mind to their prosecution. The 
female mind loves less than the male, the abstruse 
and merely theoretical; whatever promises to be 
practical, engages her attention. She will, there- 
fore, naturally shrink from the higher branches of 
mathematics, as too difficult or rare in application. 
The same may be said of the dead languages, 
while the study of the living ones will be attrac- 
tive to her, because she can make use of them at 
once as an accomplishment or in necessity. The 
acquisition of languages is particularly useful and 
appropriate for the female aiming at a higher and 
more refined culture of her mind. \ 

Ralph Waldo Emerson very justly and perti- 
nently remarks, that the acquisition of any new 
language doubles our existence, by opening to our 
perception and feeling a new world of ideas and 
expressions. To acquire three or four modern 
languages, may not be asking too much of a young 
lady who has time and inclination for the task. 
Her reward, after having accomplished it, will be 
immense. 

French, German, Spanish and Italian, are those 
of the modern languages which chiefly recom- 



YOUNG LADY. 119 



mend themselves to her attention, from the fact 
that they are the most polished, and their practical 
application is the most ready and easy. 

Of the natural sciences, botany seems to be the 
favorite of the female sex ; no other science has 
such attractions, innate charms and facility for 
constant application. The knowledge and care of 
flowers and herbs, are naturally interesting and 
dear to every female, how much more if science 
gives precision and ease. 

Of the arts, music and painting take the pre- 
cedence; both are accomplishments of a high 
order and decidedly practical tendency. A know- 
ledge of both is, therefore, desirable for a well 
educated young lady ; they will add greatly to the 
fulfillment of many of the duties and purposes of 
her life, and repay an hundred-fold the time and 
exertions spent in their acquisition. 

Besides the visiting of the sick and poor, a 
pious young lady will feel it her duty and pleasure 
to extend her benevolent designs beyond the limits 
of her personal presence. She will take an 
interest in the different great missionary efforts, 
which characterize so magnificently our present 
age ; it is woman's influence which mainly supports 
them, and as she soon may be a wife and mothej, 
she ought to feel the necessity to prepare herself 
early for such high duties and responsibilities. 



f6 



CHAPTER. IV 



MAIDEN LADY. 



The laws of nature, few as they are, form, 
nevertheless, a comprehensive and powerful con- 
servative check upon the unnumbered multitudes 
of her creations, keeping them in almost constant 
subjection to her dictates, and thereby preventing 
many of the so-called freaks of nature. The 
law of development regulates each one's life from 
the cradle to the grave, and, willing or unwilling, 
each one has to pass through the different stages 
of life, subject in each, to various physical and 
mental changes, until mortality itself is stripped 
off. 

The female infant will, in time, become a girl 
and young lady, whose physical nature is slowly 
but surely preparing to fulfill its part of the duties 
of a wife and mother. Thus a universal law of 
development hastens the female to a completion 
of her earthly destiny, and no contrivance on our 
part can change or delay the dictates of this 
imperious will. We are constantly in the power 
of this rapid stream of life, which bears us irre- 
sistibly to the close of our earthly existence. What 



MAIDEN LADY. 121 



we read in the ripple of its gently moved surface, 
or the surging of its threatening waves, are the 
duties of action, imposed upon us by each moment's 
advance, and the lessons imparted to us by close 
observation, reflecting beneficently upon our pro- 
gress. Unable to stay the action of time on our 
bodies, which stealthily but surely follow nature's 
laws, we must content ourselves in each period of 
our existence, to have fulfilled its duties and learned 
its lessons. 

Each maiden, therefore, should, in due course 
of time, become a wife and mother, this being the 
natural destiny of her existence. Her system, 
having developed all the functions necessary for 
that purpose, would find its surest integrity in 
carrying out the dictates of nature. In such a 
case, the harmony of the individual action, thus 
conforming to the natural law, would prevent the 
detrimental jarring otherwise inevitable and always 
pernicious to the welfare of the individual, physi- 
cally and mentally. As a general rule, we may 
say that no female, having arrived at woman's 
maturity, should exclude herself from the duties 
of the married state, as well upon her own account 
as that of others. 

But there exist "exceptions to the most per- 
emptory laws, those of nature not excepted ; 
consequently we must look for them also in the 
present case. Young ladies, sometimes by predi- 



122 MAIDEN LADY. 



lection or force of circumstances, remain unmarried, 
preferring not to follow the laws of nature in this 
particular, at the risk of the penalties which their 
own chosen course might thus draw upon them. 
Generally a greater degree of health attends wives 
and mothers than those who remain unmarried ; 
statistics also show conclusively, that they attain a 
more advanced age, less burdened wifri sickness in 
bodjr and mind. These individual blessings nature 
seems to have intended as a compensation to those 
who, divesting themselves of all selfish motives, 
enter into matrimony, aiding, thereby, to sustain 
state and society. 

This kind providential arrangement has been 
sufficiently powerful to produce the most desira- 
ble results, and the cases where females have 
voluntarily refused to marry, are quite rare, and 
then owing, perhaps, more to fanatical prejudices 
than real aversion. Persons eschewing matrimony 
on religious ground, will, of course, be the last to 
take medical advice on their intended step, and 



our reasoning with them as to its blessedness and 
legitimacy, would be all in vain. There are others, 
however, who, from different motives, choose to 
remain unmarried ; to these we would address a 
few words of advice. 

If a young lady of the proper age is healthy in 
body and mind, she ought to marry as soon as she 
has found the partner whom her heart prefers and 



MAIDEN LADY. 123 



her judgment approves. "No trifling cause should 
be allowed to divert her from the path of duty and 
happiness which nature intended her to follow and 
enjoy. No petty selfishness, no fear of hardships 
or troubles should influence or agitate her mind to 
such an extent as to suppress the kindlier feeliugs 
of her heart, at a time of life when it is naturally 
the most capable of exciting and reciprocating love 
and devotion. 

If this spring time of life passes by without 
forming an attachment from pure motives, the 
opportunity to do so hereafter diminishes in the 
same proportion as youth and the warmth of a 
young heart disappear. The heart does not 
calculate, but loves or hates; it has the most 
prominent voice in all those transactions of life 
where we have to choose or reject. The reasoning 
faculties only assist, not to make a choice, but to 
make a rational one. A young lady, if once her 
heart has chosen, should not, for trifling reasons, 
depose this heart, the queen of her existence, from 
the high position it is her natural prerogative 
to occupy. The weal or woe of a whole life de- 
pends upon this one decisive step ; she can kindle 
and increase the spark of genuine love by disin- 
terested and generous emotions, as well as by the 
opposite she can destroy it never to re-appear. 

There are instances, however, where certain 
physical or mental conditions compel a young lady 



124 



MAIDEN LADY. 



to refrain from marriage, although possessing a 
heart capable of appreciating and reciprocating the 
love of another. These ladies always are objects 
of the highest interest and the most sacred, re- 
spectful feeling for the lover of mankind. Entitled 
by nature, to the high privilege of bearing the 
Vestal flame, they are separated from the influence 
of mere earthly ties, and being clothed in the gar- 
ments of purer loves, their presence sheds around 
them the glories and veneration of higher spheres. 
A heart thus sacrificed on the altar of nature, will 
not grow cold and feelingless. Although prevented 
from concentrating its rays of love on oue single 
object, the sparks of genuine affection, once ignited 
in the generous bosom, rent in twain by disease 
or otherwise, will seek and find objects worthy 
of its love and devotion; an hundred virtues 
will adorn its holy, although seemingly soli- 
tary shrine ; family and society will know them 
and bless, a thousand times, the heart which 
thus had suffered and thus had loved. Yes, such 
maiden ladies are a blessing to the family and the 
social circle. 

They are generally found the most active and 
circumspect when sickness or distress invades the 
family or neighborhood. They minister most 
faithfully to the sick and render assistance fre- 
quently, under circumstances where other help 
neither could be had, nor would be equally as 



MAIDEN LADY. 



valuable. The good which thus they do often 
escapes the observation of those who reaped its 
immediate benefit ; yet the Father of all good is 
also the Seer of all good, and fills their loving 
hearts with joy unspeakable. How often have 
we had occasion, during the performance of our 
professional duties, to see these angels of mercy, 
their hearts full of disinterested love, glide noise- 
lessly from sick bed to sick bed, dispensing their 
kind attentions and good offices patiently and 
enduringly. Their presence would inspire the 
weary with fresh courage, and the suffering with 
new hope. Nothing escaped their attention, to 
render the chamber of agony and death as com- 
fortable as circumstances would permit. 

Monuments have been raised to the wholesale 
destroyers of human life, and at their feet nations 
have wept, bled and worshipped ; but no one ever 
has found worthy of his praise or public esteem, 
the names or characters of the heroic women who, 
in the quiet walks of life, have risked their lives 
and fortunes an hundred times, without expecting 
reward or distinction. We will not comment on 
such glaring ingratitude, the weakest point of 
modern civilization. Do not let us boast of having 
attained, even a tolerable degree of civilization, 
before justice is done to the heroism of the heart. 
Let us honor the devotion of love and virtue, let 
us express gratitude and thankfulness to those 



12G MAIDEN" LADY. 



who, by their sentiments and deeds, have redeemed 
and proclaimed the divine origin and sublime 
aspirations of mankind. 

Considering the physical health of maiden 
ladies, it cannot be denied that their persistence 
in an unmarried state, becomes a source of many 
complaints and diseases, which, when married, 
might not befall them. Yet there exists one 
remedy which will counteract almost entirely the 
bad effects of impeded development, if it be only 
energetically and perseveringly employed. We 
allude to a sufficiency of physical activity, exer- 
cise, particularly in the open air, and the frequent 
use of cold water externally. 

These hygienic means, in connection with a 
systematic performance of duties in and out of 
doors, will protect a maiden lady from those ills 
which an undeveloped system otherwise might 
engender, particularly if the body is too much 
at rest, and the mind irregularly and not fully 
occupied. 

To accomplish these necessary objects, society 
offers a large field of action. 

The family of which the maiden lady is a 
member, needs her assistance in the daily rounds 
of house duties; the mother and children lean 
upon her on every extra occasion, either in health 
or disease. In the parlor, kitchen and nursery, 
she soon becomes the sine qua non, who, if not 



MAIDEN LADY. 127 



present, is missed from either more than any other 
member of the family. There is no employment 
which can occupy more advantageously the attention 
of any female, than that which belongs to the ful- 
fillment of household duties ; and if the maiden 
lady's lot is cast within the range of a large 
family circle, she may indeed consider it a privi- 
lege to assist in supplying its various demands. 
It keeps the powers of mind and body active and 
elastic, preventing lassitude and depression of 
spirits. 

The various nervous disorders so frequently 
met with in single ladies of middle age, who have 
generally led an inactive, sedentary life, will not 
appear in one who has fulfilled almost the same 
duties and assumed like cares with the mother of 
a family. 

Besides, the family and society at large, can 
furnish her with a multitude of objects worthy her 
care and attention. 

The church of which she is a member, offers 
several societies, religious and benevolent, which 
need her especial patronage and supervision. The 
different sewing circles for benevolent purposes, 
look to her for particular aid, and she ought to 
render to them as much assistance as possible. 
Schools of reform, which make their appearance 
now almost in every city, are objects worthy of 
her deepest interest ; in the same rank stand the 



128 MAIDEN LADY. 



Sabbath Schools, in which she ought to take a 
practical interest. 

If a maiden lady has taste or inclines to culti- 
vate the fine arts, she has objects enongh to fill up 
her hours of recreation and amusement. Music and 
painting offer boundless fields of individual im- 
provement and enjoyment, particularly suitable 
for the female mind. That which renders the arts 
and sciences such desirable companions of our 
leisure hours, lies not merely in their capability 
of refining our tastes and habits, but particularly 
in the unbounded resources they offer to the mind 
for that purpose. They must, however, not be 
made the sole objects of our activity, except by 
those who practice them professionally, else they 
consume all the personal attention, which fatigues 
and exhausts, without allowing us the inspiring 
and invigorating influence of their practical appli- 
cation as is the case with the professional artist. 
The latter, if deprived of the occasional stimulus 
of public praise or financial gain, would soon have 
his powers relaxed to such an extent, that he 
would be obliged to relinquish altogether, the 
prosecution of his studies. What we have pre- 
sented here in the case of an artist, is a general 
law of nature, which operates in the same manner 
in any one's occupation. Our principal pursuit, 
or that which we make our business, needs, inva- 
riably, a stimulus of some sort, to neutralize the 



MAIDEN LADY. 129 



exhausting effect its continued prosecution would 
have on our body or mind. The truth of this 
remark any one can verify by observing, closely, 
the different professions which compose society. 

We need, however, besides our professional 
business, occupations which, by way of variety, 
become our pets, to occupy hours of leisure and 
recreation; these must remain what they are in- 
tended for, amusements and pleasantries, and as 
such, dare not be prosecuted with exhausting 
application. 

Another great field of activity and profitable 
occupation for a maiden lady, consists in exploring 
the now almost boundless wealth of modern 
literature. After she has made the acquaintance 
of the various standard authors in her own lan- 
guage, she should find time to learn other 
languages, the acquisition of which, constitutes in 
itself, an employment of uncommon interest and 
benefit. Thus pursuing diligently the road upon 
which she has entered, that soon becomes a 
pleasure, which, in the beginning, seemed to be a 
hardship. The fibres of the mind gather strength 
from use in study and thought, as the muscles of 
the body from exercise. But as the latter is never 
more beneficial than when practised in the open 
air, so the former ought never to be prosecuted, 
save when having constantly all the doors and 
windows of the mind itself open to the free 



130 MAIDEN LADY. 



circulation of the literary air, which surrounds us. 
We need not retain any or favor all. This is the 
most glorious privilege of our free born nature, 
on the basis of which the most philosophic of all 
apostles, Paul, gave that splendid advice : " Prove 
all things, and hold fast that which is good." To 
keep the mind open and free for instruction, gives 
us the greatest facilities of applying the above 
rule, and also the opportunity of exercising the 
high functions of the mind, by rendering our 
judgment for or against. There is no better way 
of preventing bigotry and fanaticism, that mildew 
of the human heart, from taking possession of us, 
than by following the advice of the wise apostle, 
and thus making it possible to be both active and 
useful. 

~No position in life seems to promise a greater 
share of both activity and usefulness, than that of 
unmarried ladies, if they understand their mission 
in the family and in society; in both of which 
they form links as agreeable as indispensable. 
With a little care they will be able to preserve 
their physical health, at least from such ills as 
might result from the single life they have chosen. 
If such is the case, the lot of no human being is 
cast more favorably, and the future of no one 
shrouded in less darkness, because her responsi- 
bilities and duties, as they appear and are 
discharged from day to day, do not accumulate to 



MAIDEN LADY. 131 



require an account of her at any distant time. 
How different this in the case of a wife or mother, 
whose sphere of love and action, created within 
her own family circle, becomes so often the theatre 
of circumstances, which render it an intensely 
painful and not a pleasant arena. Although a 
mother often might enjoy pleasures more intensely 
felt, and perform severer duties more easily than 
any other one, yet none will deny, that just as 
often her heart will be lacerated with untold agony 
on account of those whom she loved so well. 

Holier than a mother's love, and more remote 
from selfish interest, is the life of a maiden lady, 
if spent in sincerity of motive and constancy of 
dutiful action. Of Christian virtues, none need 
be a stranger, but all may be gathered and trea- 
sured up within its range, and thus fulfill the 
demands made on every human being by the Holy 
One Himself. 



CHAPTER V. 

MARRIED LADY. 

In contemplating the true position and destiny 
of a Christian wife and mother, her innumerable 
duties and responsibilities in the intricacies of 
social and domestic circles, of which she is the 
principal mover and ornament, we feel indeed, as 
if such a wide field of action and relation was too 
extensive to be discussed fully within the narrow 
limits of one chapter. Its importance and general 
interest would require a volume, in order to bring 
out all the detail belonging to this weighty 
subject. This has been done in a masterly style 
by Mr. Martin, in a work* entitled : " The 
Education of Mothers, or the Civilization of the 
World by Woman," in which the author conclu- 
sively shows, that this most desirable object can 
only be realized by the efforts of mothers, if 
themselves first rightly and humanistically in- 
structed, that they may fully comprehend their 

*This work was issued from the press of Messrs. Lea <fc Blan- 
chard, of Philadelphia, several years ago, and merits to be in 
the possession of every mother, who considers herself to be a co- 
worker in the great achievement, to civilize the world, which can 
only be accomplished by female influence. 



MARRIED LADY. 133 



duty, and be well prepared to overcome success- 
fully the difficulties opposed to the realization of 
this grand undertaking. 

Our purpose at present, consists in drawing the 
attention of wives and mothers to the importance 
of their own position, and iu pointing out those 
physical and moral requisites, without which their 
high destiny cannot be fulfilled. 

The wife, in assuming that name full of 
meaning and power, has given, as the phrase goes, 
to the husband of her choice, her heart and hand, 
in fact all that is claimed to be worthy as a posses- 
sion. At first sight, therefore, she has voluntarily 
renounced will and power, the two faculties by 
whose exercise everything around us is governed ; 
apparently nothing is left to her, to influence 
society or the world at large, and consequently 
her existence might be considered to be without 
weight or power in the family or social circle. 
Yet, this same wife and consequent mother, shall 
be its redeemer and powerful protector; history 
and experience teaches that it is so. The question 
naturally arises then, how cam this weak creature, 
who his divested herself of all rights and self- 
disposition, become the powerful, all-governing 
influence in the world ? 

This seeming paradox finds its solution in the 
fact, that a married woman, although having 
cea,sed to dispose of herself only, being, as it 



134 MARRIED LADY. 



were, in the power of her husband, nevertheless, 
disposes not alone of herself, but also of those 
thus closely related to her. This she effects by 
enthroning herself in the affections of the husband, 
absorbing them entirely, and thus becoming, as it 
were, the soul of the union, while he is its head. 
It is well known, however, that where the affec- 
tions are, there our influence preponderates in 
readiness and weight of action. The intellect, as 
represented by the head of the family, acts merely 
as the balance-wheel in nearly all transactions of 
daily life, and thus far the husband exerts an 
influence, regulating, as it seems best, the propel- 
ling force of inclination and will. The latter 
altogether centres in the wife, and this immense 
power, the female desire under male direction, can 
be wielded by her for good or evih In either 
case the results are proportionate to the wide 
sphere of action, which comprises the whole of 
human society, and the transcenclant importance 
of those interests, depending upon domestic and 
social relations. 

It is all-important, therefore, that woman should 
exert tins, her legitimate influence, in a manner 
to insure the greatest amount of happiness all 
around, and the possibility to retain the power 
thus acquired and directed by her. She is the 
soul and mistress of her husband's affections ; her 
wishes become his own, and if approved by his 



MARRIED LADY. 135 



judgment, are speedily carried into effect. Through 
him, therefore, her influence has to manifest itself; 
for and through him she lives ; without him she 
would have lost the centre and strength of her 
actions. To him she looks in distress and adver- 
sity for relief; he is her only and constant 
confidant ; no secret of her heart is kept from his 
knowledge ; in joy and sorrow, he is the partaker 
of the heavings of her swelling or suffering heart. 
His gain or loss is her own ; his plans or opera- 
tions interest no one so much as the loving 
partner of his bosom. 

Thus the constant change of affection is the 
real talisman of the marriage union ; and it is the 
wife who keeps this precious jewel, whose myste- 
rious workings unlock a paradise full of love and 
happiness. Woe to her, however, if she should 
not possess it; and still worse, if she should lose 
it, after once having tasted the sweets of % its 
presence ! Nothing can compare with the misery 
into which both parties would then be thrown, 
because no earthly treasure could buy or supplant 
the absence of that love which descends from 
higher spheres only into the human soul. But 
there is hardly a human being in existence who 
has not received a spark of this heavenly flame, 
sufficient to kindle affection in hearts where 
otherwise it would have slept unlit. The frequent 

exhibition, therefore, of love betrayed and affec- 
g2 



136 MARRIED LADY. 



tion unreciprocated, is not caused by total absence 
in either of the parties, but by the improper 
method of showing them. 

Affection is the daughter of love, whom she 
never precedes, but always follows. If love 
departs, or is not to be seen, affection cannot 
appear ; when a wife ceases to love, or neglects to 
show her love to her husband, no affection will be 
kindled in the bosom of the latter, no harmonious 
exchange of thought and feeling can exist. Love 
manifests itself particularly in a close attachment 
to its object ; a wife must cling to her husband, 
who is the centre of her life's orbit, like the earth, 
who rolls her axis in restless joy around the sun, 
her centre of life ; if she would depart only for a 
short time from her orbit, the rays of the sun 
would fall cold and cheerless upon her joyless 
surface ; she would not be able to distribute innu- 
merable blessings, nor even shine herself with 
light of her own. 

This comparison has not merely the merit of a 
close analogy, but contains the expression of a law 
of nature, which pervades in equal force her moral 
as well as physical domain. Its further applica- 
tion, as to marriage relation, we leave to the 
contemplation of the reader, who will find on 
closer examination of this subject, the truth of 
our remarks. 

Not external beauty or splendid attire, is the 



MARRIED LADY. 137 



sole attraction a married woman should offer to 
her husband ; they are gifts and acquisitions not 
to be despised by , those who possess them, but 
never important or enduring long enough to be 
enyied by those who chance not to have them. If 
present, they should form only the casket in which 
to preserve nobler qualities of the heart, which 
never lose their charms, or fail to produce affec- 
tion and devotion in the manly breast. 

It is needless here to enumerate the many 
virtues which should adorn the character of a 
wife; they are abundantly known and understood ; 
besides, we have already grouped them together 
in the early chapters of this book. We may be 
allowed, however, to draw the attention of the 
reader to a few of the most important ones, 
although sometimes the least observed, on account 
of their seeming insignificance. 

Cleanliness in all that pertains to the wife's 

domain, is an indispensable companion of her 

virtues, which are reflected in its spotless surface, 

as in a mirror of infinite value. To a tidy and 

well arranged home, the husband hurries his steps 

with a more than ordinary longing of the heart, 

and his affection for its beloved mistress is already 

warmed into life, before he meets her on the 

threshold of his comfortable dwelling. Here she 

greets him with the confiding devotion with which 

she is attached to the heart of her choice. She 
g3 



138 MARRIED LADY. 

may not be able always to smile, because circum- 
stances may make it impossible. Nevertheless, 
in fortune or adversity, she rushes into his pre- 
sence with an unfeigned expression of relief and 
security, which shows him at once his duty and 
pleasure. Because attachment and its expression 
on the part of the wife, form the great load-stone 
which moves the affections of the husband, and 
always draws her the nearest to his heart. 

While the wife is thus adorning herself with 
the most magnificent jewels which can enrich any 
female character, she ought not to be unmindful of 
the duty and rightful policy of attending carefully to 
her external appearance before her husband as 
well as others. Neatness and taste in dress and 
attire, more than a gaudy or showy appearance, 
will most favorably engage the attention of the 
pleased and admiring eye, and the husband, as 
any other one, has received eyes which would 
like to behold objects of beauty and symmetry, if 
presented to his view anywhere ; how much more, 
if in the person of his wife, already beloved and 
revered, he can behold and admire these pleasing 
qualities of form and figure. 

It is true, the pleasure here portrayed, is one 
in which the senses, from the first at least, are 
more engaged than the mind. Nevertheless, its re- 
action upon the inner man is not the less sure and 
effective ; all our likes and dislikes generally 



MARRIED LADY. 139 



originate in the same manner; the various im- 
pressions of external objects on our senses form 
the greatest part of our joys or pains. There is 
hardly an exception to this rule ; the wife can the 
least expect to form one, as regards her husband, 
because none has a greater right to enjoy and 
admire the beauty and symmetry of her form or 
figure. If the husband is pleased and delighted, 
her purpose in this respect is fully obtained ; she 
needs not cater for the admiration of any other. 

Neatness of dress, like piety, that incomparable 
quality of the soul, requires a general, uniform, 
and constant exhibition, else it cannot sustain 
itself long, or improve indeed, the tastes of its 
possessor. If a wife is neat only at certain times, 
in the presence of her husband, while at others, 
she appears in a slovenly attire, the contrast thus 
created is certain to neutralize the benefit of her 
first effort. The impression on the husband's 
affections must be decidedly unfavorable. Neat- 
ness, moreover, is well calculated to preserve the 
dignity of the female sex, certainly better than 
seclusion and haughtiness, which, in accomplish- 
ing this end, destroy other precious qualities of 
the soul, equally as desirable. 

A neatly dressed wife will less often forget her 
lady -like nature, and rarely sink below its stan- 
dard, while one appearing in a loose and careless 
garb, will hardly make an attempt to elevate her 



140 MARRIED LADY. 



feelings above the lower promptings of our nature, 
allowing her soul's attire to assume a character 
similar to the slovenly appearance of her gar- 
ments, and thus the intercourse between husband 
and wife will often become less courteous or 
dignified, a misfortune for both greater than at 
first sight it would appear. 

There lies great danger in these slight beginnings 
of relaxed attention or interest, both of which are so 
essential in keeping the matrimonial flame alive. 
Let a wife once lower herself in the estimation of 
her husband, as regards neatness of appearance or 
sweetness of temper, and she has thereby opened 
a Pandora box, full of misfortune and unhappi- 
ness. Step by step, but steadily, the social and 
familiar conduct between the two loses in interest 
and purity, and gains in lightness and frivolity, 
until it is depraved to an extent which leaves 
nothing but moral and physical ruin, where once 
a bright future opened its inviting portal. 

It is not our province here, to go into the 
minutiae of married life, prescribing certain rules 
to be observed by the wife or husband, in order 
to insure the greatest amount of happiness during 
the matrimonial career. Nothing is farther from 
our purpose than this ; we abhor a censorious, 
dictatorial spirit, but wish most heartily that every 
one, capable of forming a judgment, should 
exercise this high prerogative of human nature, 



MARRIED LADY. 141 



to cultivate all Ms faculties in such a manner and 

degree as best befits himself and his own welfare. 

What we desire to do is, to indicate the leading 

features of a conduct, which, by their general 

import, control all the minor ones belonging more 

strictly to individual character. Variety in unity, 

is the greatest charm of nature in all her creations, 

and why should we not allow a variety of conduct 

between man and wife, if the principal requisites 

are but observed to keep harmony % 

Charity covers a multitude of sins, and no one 

needs the constant exhibition of this exalted 

attribute of a noble soul more than a wife in the 

daily intercourse with her husband. No human 

being is perfect, or will be so this side of the 

grave ; it would be, therefore, unreasonable in a 

wife to require of her husband perfection. And 

since he cannot be without some imperfection, it 

is her natural duty to judge his conduct with that 

charitable and loving disposition, which allows 

her to be of real benefit to him, by inducing him 

to alter it as much as possible. Whoever forgives 

the most and with the greatest readiness, is said 

to be the best Christian. This truth ought to find 

the widest application in married life ; no state in 

which we can exist here on earth, affording a 

greater opportunity for its exercise ; in none can 

it be brought to such practical perfection. 

We will now proceed to contemplate the various 
g5 



14:2 MARRIED LADY. 



physical changes which take place in married 
women. They are generally productive of good, 
tending, if not hastened by too early a marriage, 
to strengthen and consolidate the constitution, 
notwithstanding the apparent hardships and suf- 
ferings which a woman has to undergo during 
pregnancy or parturition. 

The immediate effect of marriage on the well 
and fully developed female organism, consists in 
the greater vigor and increase of vitality and 
sensibility in all the organs influenced by the 
physical and moral changes which have taken 
place in her condition. She is now married ; her 
highest ambition and most fervid wishes are 
fulfilled. This state of her mind reflects sensibly 
on her nervous system and circulation, and 
increases their action beyond former limits. She 
is lively, gay and sprightly, and her whole system 
partakes in this holiday feeling of the senses, 
developing itself more fully and densely in all 
parts. The enjoyment of the senses, so cautiously 
approached, but at the same time so rationally 
bestowed by matrimony, opens a new portal in 
the secret chambers of nature for another series of 
physical developments, different from what had 
taken place in the organism of the girl, during its 
preparation for womanhood, but based upon these 
proceedings, which are now brought to a higher 
and final perfection. 



MARRIED LADY. 



143 



Menstruation, as the paramount feature of 
girlhood, now loses its exclusive importance, and 
vanishes for a time entirely from the physical 
theatre as soon as conception takes place. 

The reader will recollect that a fully developed 
girl is only so on account of the complete develop- 
ment of the ovaries, whose periodical activity 
shows itself in the formation of an ovule, and its 
displacement from the ovarium through the Fallo- 
pian tubes to the uterus, whence it is carried away 
abortive with the menstrual blood; the latter 
discharge having been caused by the same pro- 
ductive stimulus which congested the ovarium. 
When in matrimony, however, the conditions of 
nature are fulfilled, this ovule becomes impregnated 
with the vital force, which enables it to change at 
once the process of those organs which formed, 
and now shall develop it, in other words, shall 
harbor it for a certain time and make it grow. 

Before we consider any further the uterine life 
of this new being, let us delineate those signs by 
which its presence in the womb can be ascertained 
almost from its earliest existence. 

There are but very few general symptoms 

constant enough to be reliable in all cases, which 

indicate conception and pregnancy in its earliest 

stage. We will name them here, however, in 

order to enable the reader to form a judgment of 

them, if they should occur. She feels a singular 
g6 



144 MARRIED LADY. 



emotion of painful pleasure, and a shuddering, 
proceeding from the spine ; a pain in the region 
of the navel, sometimes a sensation of motion in 
the abdomen, and a tickling in the region of the 
hips ; she feels fatigued and sleepy ; this state is 
followed by a sense of fullness, warmth and 
heaviness in the abdomen. 

The first more certain sign of pregnancy, is the 
suppression of menstruation, which, if not caused 
by other morbid circumstances, indicates that the 
internal surface of the uterus, from which the men- 
strual blood is secreted, is now eno-a^ed in other 
secretions, stimulated into existence by the presence 
of a fecundated ovum, which has been retained in 
the uterus, adhering, generally, within its upper 
portions. Sometimes menstruation may continue 
for several months ; in such cases the menstrual 
blood is secreted from the lower portions of the 
uterus, while in its upper, the changes take place 
necessary for the growth of the foetus. 

Another well attested sign is sickness at the 
stomach, with which a great many women are 
troubled in the beginning of pregnancy ; it is 
uncertain, however, in as far as other congestive 
states of the uterus, such as suppressions of the 
menses, etc., may produce it, without having the 
slightest reference to pregnancy. 

If the above signs are present in consequence 
of true pregnancy, other symptoms will soon 



MARRIED LADY. 145 



develop themselves to verify it. These are en- 
largement of the breasts, brown circles around 
the nipples, appearance of milk in the breasts, 
and finally an enlargement of the hypogastric 
region. All these signs found together, form a 
plausible array of symptoms in favor of the exist- 
ence of pregnancy, yet they are in themselves not 
sufficient to prove it positively, because they may 
be produced by other morbid agencies. Women, 
who have had children, possess signs, which indi- 
vidually, are mostly sure in indicating pregnancy. 
For instance, some have always tooth-ache, styes 
on the eye-lids, or black spots on the face, neck 
or hands, like freckles ; others are taken at once, 
without a known cause, with salivation, which in 
some instances proceeds for a long time, unless 
mitigated by the use of ale, champaign, or Scotch 
herring ; still others have strange desires or long- 
ings, modifications of the appetite for unusual 
substances, such as chalk, etc. All these signs, 
belonging strictly to idiosyncrasies, are, therefore, 
no absolute signs of pregnancy, but only accidental. 
The most sure sign of pregnancy which a 
woman can have, is the quickening, or the motion 
of the child. It generally takes place at four and 
a half months from the beginning of gestation, 
and serves, therefore, as a mark of reckoning, 
being the middle of the time allowed generally 
for the duration of pregnancy. In but very few 



146 MARRIED LADY. 



cases, quickening occurs either sooner or later. 
When this takes place, it may be safely pre- 
sumed, in connection with the former signs, that 
a true pregnancy exists, which has, at that time, 
already run half its course. 

A fecundated ovule, if it shall grow, must adhere 
to the sides of the uterus ; if it does, we may con- 
sider conception to have taken place in reality. 
Then the uterus is stimulated to secrete from its 
walls on all sides, a membrane, called the decidua, 
lining the whole internal cavity of the uterus, and 
forming the medium between foetus and mother, 
by which the former can come into communication 
with the blood circulation of the latter. "Within 
this membrane a circulation is established, which 
unites the child with the mother, through the cord 
and the after -birth, the former adhering to the child, 
the latter to the uterus, in which it roots, like a tree 
in the ground, both containing veins and arteries 
for the flux and reflux of the blood. The blood 
of the child does not go over into the circulation 
of the mother, to become decarbonized, but is 
oxygenized by being exposed in the finest ramifica- 
tions of the placenta to the oxygen carried thither 
by the arteries of the uterus. Thus the great 
purpose of oxygenizing the blood is carried on 
without the necessity of inflating the lungs with 
atmospheric air, which, of course, would be im- 
possible in foetal existence. 



MARRIED LADY. 147 

The foetus, or young being in the womb, from 
this time up, grows and develops itself with 
astonishing rapidity, in the thousands of intricate 
parts which constitute the human organism. 
Though bound together by the vital force in one 
harmonious whole, the various parts of the differ- 
ent systems develop not all simultaneously, but 
gradually crystallize, as it were, into one whole 
body. This formative process consumes more 
than one-half of the uterine life of the new being. 
If no disturbing influences interfere, it will develop 
in a perfect manner ; but if morbid causes should 
operate on the foetus, its harmonious development 
may be intercepted, and its growth arrested at any 
period during gestation, in certain parts of the sys- 
tem, while others develop themselves naturally. 
This fact explains the origin of those organic im- 
perfections and deformities which characterize the 
so called monsters, whose singular appearance is 
sometimes attributed by the ignorant to mysterious 
causes. To this class of arrested foetal develop- 
ment belong also most of those cases, where 
children are born with marks on their bodies or 
limbs, not developed or even entirely wanting. It 
is not as yet sufficiently settled, whether such a 
state of things can be produced through the 
influence of the mother on the child, some physi- 
ologists denying its possibility, as no nervous 
connection between the two is as yet found to 



148 MARRIED LADY. 



exist. "Whether or not fear, fright, etc., operating 
violently on the nervous system of the mother, 
can affect the child, we know at least, that mis- 
fortunes of this kind are best averted by avoiding 
those violent nervous emotions. 

Bodily exercise, or even fatigue, is easier borne 
by a pregnant woman than mental excitement* 
"While the former increases her physical health, 
and consequently that of the child, the latter 
disables the energies of her system, and must 
injuriously reflect on the child's development. 

It is the duty of the future mother to live 
and act during gestation in a manner that her 
offspring may be benefited thereby. Nothing 
must be omitted to realize this, the principal object 
of her life. She must expect, beforehand, to 
undergo all kinds of hardships and to make severe 
personal sacrifices ; the thought that it is for the 
benefit of her future offspring, will strengthen her 
to an indefinite degree of fortitude and courage. 

She must take daily exercise, sufficient and of 
an active nature. For instance, riding in a car- 
riage does not belong to the active exercises; 
walking, particularly in the open air, is more 
active, and therefore better calculated to invigorate 
the system of a pregnant woman. The best, 
however, is that exercise which accompanies the 
daily attendance to the various duties of a house- 
hold. In these the pregnant woman can find 



MARRIED LADY. 149 



employment sufficient for body and mind up to 
the very last hour of her confinement, and more 
suitable to invigorate her own and the child's 
health, than in any other. She must not merely 
direct the affairs of the house; such a course 
would not accomplish the ends in view. But she 
must be active and busy herself, if it is only in 
the lighter kinds of work, such as setting the 
table, sweeping and dusting the rooms, etc. If 
she does not feel well at such a time, particularly 
if she is threatened with abortion, she must not 
commence, or if she has, must cease at once, to 
exercise in the above manner. A perfectly healthy 
woman, however, should not neglect these exer- 
cises under the mere pretext of being unbecoming 
or too fatiguing. 

[Next to exercise, the most important consider- 
ation is dress, which ought to be as loose as 
possible, in order to allow the most ample liberty 
for enlargement. Corsets or tight clothes generally, 
are very injurious, as every one will readily con- 
cede. It must be understood, however, that she 
ought to dress sufficiently warm at all times, to feel 
comfortable. If she has been in the habit to wash 
and bathe in cold water, the state of pregnancy, 
even far advanced, does not prevent her from fol- 
lowing this most important hygienic rule as long 
as it is convenient or shows its beneficial effects by 
re-acting on the system in a healthful glow. 



150 MARRIED LADY. 



As regards the various disorders during preg- 
nancy, we intend to treat of them in the second 
part of this book, where the reader can find them 
under their proper heads, Here we would state, 
that an otherwise healthy woman ought to pass 
through the whole of her pregnancy without any 
considerable feeling of disease, and this, too, until 
the very commencement of labor pains. That this 
is the real intention of nature, becomes apparent 
in the thousands of instances where women in the 
pregnant state, do feel neither disease nor are 
incapable in body or mind, to attend to all their 
accustomed duties, enjoying life as much as ever. 
That this is often not the case, is owing to the 
irregularities of life and departures from nature's 
dictates, by which women become weak and an 
easy prey to disorders. We remind our readers, 
therefore, of the great rule, the more natural or 
less artificial you live before and during pregnancy, 
the less sickness and discomfort you will have to 
encounter during pregnancy. Let strict hygienic 
rules guide your life and but very little ailment 
will disturb your ease and comfort. 

Quickening is a term by which is generally 
expressed the first perception a woman has of the 
child's muscular action, and not as if life, at that 
time, first entered the child. It may vary as to 
time and power of expression ; in some women it 
occurs earlier and stronger, because the child may 



MARRIED LADY. 151 



be more active and strong ; in others it is retarded 
and weak, because the child may be less lively 
and powerful or the quantity of the child's water 
greater. Upon the whole, however, it may be 
said that quickening occurs in the middle of preg- 
nancy or four and a half months from either the 
conception or the birth of the child. Yet, very 
many and great exceptions to this rule exist ; in 
some women it may never manifest itself, in others 
it may appear as early as two months and a half 
after conception, as one lady I knew myself used 
to experience. Syncope or fainting is not an 
unfrequent accompaniment of quickening, but 
soon ceases after the woman has become more 
habituated to the peculiar feelings of motion in 
her womb made by the child. 

About this time the womb has extended so 
much as to raise itself out of the pelvic cavity, 
thus acquiring more room for extension and the 
facility to rest on its brim. From this time up to 
the seventh month the growth of the child is very 
rapid and perceptible in the outward appearance 
of the future mother, the most prominent feature 
of which is the so-called " pouting out of the 
navel" or its protrusion, which takes place be- 
tween the sixth and seventh month. The navel, 
instead of forming a hollow, is now pressed out- 
wardly by the force of the gravid uterus which 
sometimes causes the navel to protrude. 



152 MARRIED LADY. 



In the seventh month the child has acquired 
such a perfection of development in all its parts, 
that it is able to subsist outside the womb, if acci- 
dent or disease should have hastened its birth. 
Any birth previous to the seventh month is, 
therefore, called very properly an abortion, indi- 
cating, thereby, the impossibility of the birth of a 
living child, although some exceptions may even 
here take place; while a birth at the seventh 
and before the ninth month is designated as a pre- 
mature birth, because the child can live, although 
prematurely born, and consequently of difficult 
raising. 

Pregnancy has, in most cases, a duration of 
nine months, each of thirty days, although some- 
times it lasts two hundred and eighty days, or ten 
months, each of twenty-eight days ; cases have 
even occurred within my knowledge, where la- 
dies were not confined until the three hundredth 
day after conception, which constitutes ten solar 
months, each of thirty days. Accordingly we 
see that a variation of thirty days is possible, or 
that a regular birth may occur between two hun- 
dred and seventy and three hundred days of 
pregnancy. 

The appearance of the so-called labor-pains, 
soon terminates the state of gestation, expels the 
child, together with the after-birth, and allows the 
womb to contract, thus assuming, by degrees, its 



MARRIED LADY. 153 



natural size again. Although this process is a 
physiological one, which, as such, should not meet, 
on our part with much interference, yet the pain and 
distress to be borne by the woman, are sometimes 
so great as to make their mitigation desirable. 
This fortunately can be effected to a certain extent 
by the use of ether, which being poured on a 
loose handkerchief, is inhaled by the sufferer. 
Chloroform, although more decisive and certain in 
its anaesthetic action, is not, on that account, pre- 
ferable to ether, because its action being too violent, 
endangers the life of the patient, even in those 
where no diseases of the heart or lungs can be 
presumed to exist. We warn our readers against 
the use of chloroform in an emergency of any kind ; 
while we can recommend the ether from practical 
experience, as useful and harmless. It should not 
be applied, however, until the severe pains of the 
latter stage call its use into requisition, when its 
effect need not be such a protracted one, which 
ought to be always avoided as much as possible. 
The duties of a mother, perhaps the most re- 
sponsible and severe imposed on a human being 
by nature, seem to be presaged and presented to 
her mind before even the child is born. The 
future mother prepares, beforehand, what is needed 
for her offspring when it appears. In this respect 
man partakes of the same instinctive providence 
which has been bestowed by nature upon all animal 



154 MARKIED LADY. 



creation. The birds make their nests for the com- 
fort of their young, and man provides carefully 
for the child's comforts long before it needs them. 
But as soon as it has appeared in this world 
of pain and pleasure, the realities of a mother's 
duties never cease to present themselves to her. 
They may vary in kind, but never cease to exist ; 
moreover they grow in intensity of interest and 
responsibility as the child develops itself from 
earliest infancy to maturity. A mother remains 
always one to the child of her bosom. The father 
may finally cease to exert a father's influence over 
his child ; his parental relation may change into 
that of a friend's. A mother never changes her 
character as regards her offspring ; she remains the 
same to him that she was from the beginning of 
his existence, the careful guardian of his physical 
and moral welfare. Time and advancing age can- 
not work a change in her feelings towards her 
child ; she remains faithful to the trust imposed 
upon her by nature. In her the conservative ele- 
ment prevails to a greater extent than in man ; and 
if the latter can even so far divorce himself from the 
innate parental feeling as to disown his child, and 
slay it even as was the case in the Roman Sena- 
tor, who broke the staff over his own son's life, 
the mother never yields to other voices than those 
of nature, or other dictates than those of the heart. 
Wonderful provision of the Creator, who thus 



MARRIED LADY. 155 

made the otherwise weak, the instrument of pro- 
tection and preservation, while the strong, impelled 
by moral force, is not unfrequently disarmed into 
leniency by the melting power of natural affection t 
Watch a faithful mother in the discharge of her 
duties in the nursery, at the side of the cradle, or 
amidst a group of boys and girls of different ages • 
observe closely, how she manages to get along. 
Her tact in this respect is wonderful, beyond the 
grasp of man's most exalted intellect ; no rules of 
art can supply its want. The talent of ruling 
judiciously in the charming world of children, is 
a peculiar gift of nature, bestowed upon woman 
alone, as her sole prerogative, which in faithful 
hands becomes truly enviable. Then we perceive 
the wonderful versatility of woman's mind ; now 
she coaxes into quiet slumber the restless eye or 
whining mood of the infant, now she reproves the 
noisy restlessness of the boy, and satisfies in stately 
teachings the eager curiosity of the girl. But 
always is her eye watching over the whole group, 
catching at a glance their physical and moral 
wants ; and the expression of her language or ac- 
tions is suited to the sex or age of the child. In 
vain could such admirable conduct be asked of a 
man under similar circumstances; his patience 
would give out, before even his - mind could com- 
prehend the task ; hopeless would be his situation, 
if he had to fulfill similar duties. If he has to act 



156 



MAIDEN LADY. 



on the large stage of life his part, she has to do 
the same on a smaller, but not less complicated 
one ; neither would till satisfactorily the place of 
the other. And if this is true, as it certainly is, 
the conclusion is irresistible, that each one should 
remain within the sphere of action properly as- 
signed to each by the ordinance of nature. Let 
the father be indeed a provider and protector ; let 
the mother be indeed a guardian and teacher of 
the little ones comprising the family. 

Fashionable life, we know, has sadly disar- 
ranged this beautiful order of nature, and thereby 
weakened, in many a respect, the ties which bind 
the filial tree to parental roots. Yet we think, 
that its laws are so deeply seated in the soil 
of human feeling and society, that it is almost im- 
possible to destroy their rule or annihilate their 
existence. Even fashionable life, with its many 
heartless and unnatural traits, cannot divest the 
most reluctant and giddy mother of the inward 
pressure of her soul, to witness the frolicsome up- 
roar of a nursery-room, or to spend hours of delight 
and care in the company of her little ones. 

Nature designed the mother to be the child's 
first and most legitimate teacher; from her lips 
the infant perceives the first sounds of the sweet 
language of love and caresses ; to her the narrow, 
but nevertheless ardent wishes of its heart are first 
directed and look for their realization. As the 



MARRIED LADY. 157 



child draws the nourishment with impatient de- 
light from the mother's bosom, itself heaving with 
pleasure, so does its longing eye rest on her counte- 
nance, radiant with intelligence, and beaming forth 
the tender affections of a mother's love into the 
appreciative soul of her offspring. Where is en- 
joyment like this to be found in the whole range 
of nature's economy? Here she has gathered a 
combination of physical and intellectual wealth, 
seldom to be equalled, and never to be excelled, 
and has laid it at the feet of that being, whom 
above all she desires to enrich with her choicest 
blessings, in order to compensate, as it were, for 
the extraordinary charge laid upon a mother's 
shoulders. ISTo triumph of the victorious soldier, 
the subtle statesman, the eloquent advocate, suc- 
cessful physician, or faithful minister, can equal 
in reality and sublimity a mother's happiness, 
when fondling her infant. 

No other avocation in life can give the full re- 
ward in innocent pleasure and joyous feeling. 
There is no reason, then, why the woman, with 
true motherly feelings, should engage in any other 
but the business assigned to her by nature, for the 
transactions of which she is so eminently and 
exclusively qualified, and so richly rewarded. It 
is true, she often also experiences sorrows and suf- 
ferings, which no human being can feel with equal 
intensity. The sickness of her children disturbs 



158 MARRIED LADY. 



her rest and grieves her soul. But these very mis- 
fortunes carry within themselves a higher stimulus 
to a mother's action than the mere every-day 
duties could afford, and like the passing thunder- 
storm on a sultry summer day, leave life's atmos- 
phere clearer and more beauteous than ever. If 
death, notwithstanding, calls away from her moth- 
erly heart one of the beloved ones, she follows 
its flight into the regions where hope and faith 
combine to promise a future re-union. Thus, even 
the worst misfortune which can befall her, the 
death of her offspring, enriches the domain of her 
love, giving her an undying interest in the joyous 
realms of heaven, which thus become more than 
ever the point of her pilgrimage. 

]STo member of a family has a greater interest in 
the welfare of society than the mother. Although 
the child of the past and destined to direct the 
present, the mother feels anxious to shape the fu- 
ture of that society in which her children have to 
play their part, either for good or evil. This one 
thought alone is powerful enough to arouse her 
energies to the utmost, and engage them constantly 
for the physical and moral welfare of society. 
She will, therefore, not allow herself to be a 
stranger to the political events of her country y 
because these, touching the clearest interest of all 
families, must affect her own also. 

And here may I be allowed to pay my humble 



MARRIED LADY. 



159 



but sincere tribute to the lovely and heaven-born 
genius of womanliness, whose spirit always sup- 
ports the right, and persists in doing so heroically, 
until the cause has triumphed. Our present age, 
so conspicuous in reforms, is mainly indebted to 
woman for those which have a tendency to ame- 
liorate the condition of the poor and suffering. It 
is woman's peculiar privilege to follow the appeals 
made to the heart. A cause, therefore, which has 
within it the germs to arouse that delicate womanly 
sympathy, will soon enlist it in its favor, and be 
successful. We mention in support of this fact, 
the different benevolent and missionary societies, 
ragged schools, schools of reform, orphan asylums, 
temperance societies, etc. All these various insti- 
tutions owe their principal sustenance to the cha- 
rity of woman, and mostly to the mothers of the 
country, who feel it besides to be their duty to 
enlist in this moral crusade for the recovery not of 
the Lord's grave, but of the Lord's temple, filled 
with the holiness of Christian conduct. This is 
the field on which woman can show the heroism 
of her soul ; if here she is not to be seen, engaged 
in the battle against evil, it is plain she has not 
understood her mission, or has forgotten her most 
sacred duty. If our modern times can be proud 
of a thousand distinguished features, possessed 
by no former age, it is not merely because we 

have steam and hot-air power, railroads, and 
h2 



160 MARRIED LADY. 



electric telegraphs, which mostly influence the 
material welfare of mankind, but because we are 
engaged in reforming the world morally through 
those means, of which we have above named only 
a few. These comprise together, what the Scrip- 
ture calls " the sword of the spirit," and under its 
action woman's flag has enlisted. The greater 
part of the glory, therefore, of having civilized the 
world, and prepared the way for its redemption, 
falls upon woman; a fact which becomes more 
and more understood, as the work of Christian 
reform progresses and shows its magnificent re- 
sults. Wherever good shall be promoted in the 
world, there woman is found ready to lend her 
helping hand. If King Alcohol has to be de- 
throned, women fill the halls of temperance, listen 
to addresses, and sign petitions ; if the atmosphere 
of a prison shall be cleared of its foul moral 
miasm, woman is at hand to do it ; if hospitals 
need attendance, woman is willing to go there, 
frequently at the peril of her own life. Oh, let 
woman but persist one century longer in those 
beneficent efforts she has begun of late so vigor- 
ously, and soon the earth will be a paradise again, 
prepared to be the habitation of the Holy One ! 
Mothers, your mission is a glorious one. 



CHAPTER VI. 



WIDOW 



The last duty to a beloved husband and hon- 
ored citizen is performed. Slowly the crowd 
disperse to their own homes, variously impressed 
with the solemnities of the occasion. The religi- 
ous among them, while witnessing the departure 
of an immortal soul for judgment and eternity, are 
busily engaged within their secret chambers of 
thought, to review their past, making resolves 
according to the degree of faith they severally 
enjoy. The worldling might have been seen 
trembling with uncertainty while hearing the 
sound of the falling clods on the coffin, which in 
a similar manner he now feels, will at one time 
receive him. The thoughtless among the fashion- 
able crowd, gaze with pallid but stupid faces, at 
the circumstantial ceremonies which solemnize 
the day of mourning. All, however, soon forget 
the hour and occasion, which thus has called 
them together, and return to their various pre- 
dilections and avocations, as if the picture of 
death and immortality had no lasting effect on 

their thoughts or actions. 
h3 



162 widow. 



But not thus ends this day with one, who in 
that crowd might have been seen bowed down 
with grief and sorrow, unable to observe either 
her own or the state of others. Still, while the 
excitement lasted, accompanying such distressful 
circumstances, while the chamber of death was 
full of kind friends and neighbors, and the avenue 
leading to his final resting place, evinced in the 
thronging crowd, the love and esteem which the 
beloved dead had thus far even carried with him, 
her strength remained equal to the weight of 
sorrow on her heart, because not as yet did she 
fully realize that she was alone ; as yet did she 
breathe an atmosphere made congenial by a hus- 
band's presence, even if in the shrouds of death. 
Eeluctantly she returns to the home, from whence 
the sun of her life has just been removed, and 
where now, for the first time, she experiences all 
the depressing feelings of loneliness and mental 
solitude. Thus, for weeks, months, and even 
longer, does the widowed heart mourn for its 
departed object, turning its inward emotions 
towards the past, where it was surrounded with 
the love-inspiring affections of a devoted friend. 
No proof can be stronger of the fact that man 
was created to reach his highest perfection on 
earth in matrimonial union, than the persever- 
ance of this attachment, beyond even earthly 
limits, by the removal of one of the partners, 



widow. 163 



which we frequently witness, aye, in our times, 
where matrimonial choice is not always the most 
genuine. 

It seems that the memory of the departed, 
particularly the remembrance of his many virtues, 
which often live in his deeds after him, and sur- 
round his widow with a glory as lasting as the 
name she bears, becomes, by degrees, the means 
to fill up the vacuum in the widow's heart, and 
sustain her in future trials in such a degree, that 
she never feels the need or want of another 
attachment. Then the great object of life is 
fulfilled ; such a heart remains still married. Its 
sun has not disappeared entirely; he has only 
withdrawn his enlivening rays beyond the theatre 
perceptible to earthly senses, but still accessible 
to those of the heart, where they are felt as 
intensely as ever, creating reminiscenses of by-gone 
times, with the power and sweetness of present 
realities. 

If external circumstances do not too palpably 

remind such a widow of the loss of her husband, 

if she is beyond temporal want, and the care of 

her children an easy task to her, then indeed is 

her situation not without joy or real pleasure. 

She soon will habituate herself to the cares of the 

day, and while she remembers the manner in 

which her husband used to overcome them in his 

day, strive to revive his memory, by daily imi- 
h4 



164 widow. 



tating his example. Thus widows have frequently 
continued to fulfill the most arduous duties of 
business and station for years after the death of 
their husbands, showing a tact and perseverance 
equal to that of their former partners, and proving 
clearly how elastic and formative the mind and 
will of woman is, if compelled or set free by the 
force of circumstances. 

But we must be well reminded, that a woman 
performing, in such a case, a man's duties, does 
or can only do so, without losing her feminine 
character, by having become the heiress of her 
husband's mind as well as estate. In his spirit, 
while it still is with her and rests upon her, she 
continues to conduct affairs, which, under other 
circumstances, would seldom be inviting enough 
to draw her activity away from her own legitimate 
female sphere. 

While thus pursuing her course, she represents 
a double nature, exhibiting both strength of will 
and tenderness of heart, a combination of perfec- 
tion so seldom found in this our world of faults, 
and in the widow's case, the result of suffering 
and attachment, which invest her with an uncom- 
mon degree of sympathy and interest. 

But not every widow can be expected to be so 
constituted, or placed in such circumstances, that 
she can do without manly counsel or assistance. 
Then the broken reed will be lifted up again by a 



widow. 165 



new power. The elasticity of her female nature 
will rebound by the impulse of the new force ; 
her heart will swell again with new emotions, and 
a fresh love, sometimes equal in fervor to the first, 
will rejuvenate her whole being, and elicit sparks 
of affection again in the manly breast of a new 
partner. 

There is nothing unnatural or forced in the 
formation of a second marriage by a widow, under 
circumstances which open her heart and direct her 
wishes again towards the world around her. If 
this is the case, such a marriage is sanctioned as 
well by the customs of society as dictated by the 
necessities of the laws of nature, assuming thereby 
all the legitimate and hallowed attributes of a 
first love. Nature, in her richness, has strewed 
her gifts in exuberant profusion, and it would be 
strange indeed, if in doing so she had forgotten to 
endow the poor human heart, which has to feel so 
deeply, and suffer so intensely, with a faculty of 
re-invigoration, in order to lift it up again with 
a new courage of existence, and to double its days 
of youth and joy. None must question sincerity 
in actions, where nature and law has granted the 
right to act. 

A widow will find her greatest consolation in 

the education of her children, endeavoring at all 

times to supply in their training, the place of him 

who, leaving them fatherless, trusted them in her 

h5 



166 



WIDOW. 



care. Although nature, generally, did not endow 
woman with a sufficient determination of will and 
force of character, to eminently qualify her to rule 
the heedless boy into willing obedience, and on 
that account, it might seem at first sight impossible 
for a widow to train her older sons into respectful 
behavior, yet such is the power of sympathy 
created in every bosom for the widow's defenceless 
position, that soon even the wildest boy will feel 
within him such promptings of a nobler nature, as 
will impel him to respect the one whom he sees 
alone and without a protector in the struggling 
world. If the mother can inculcate into the young 
mind of her son sentiments of this kind, at an 
early time, exciting his sympathy and emulation, 
she has won his affections already, she has con- 
quered his passions before they arose, and made 
him tame before he was wild. She must commence 
early to revive in his memory the image of his 
departed father; his many virtues, and the love 
and respect he bore to her and his children. The 
memory of such a father will always be dear to 
the tender emotions of a child, and turn the undue 
increase of passionate excitement into love and 
reverence. How often have we seen the most 
stubborn boy corrected and made submissive by 
the simple address of his widowed mother: O, 
John, what would father say if he was yet living, 
and could see you acting thus. What in this 



WIDOW. 167 



respect, a living parent is sometimes unable to 
accomplish, the timely remembrance of a departed 
one, of his love and virtue, frequently has happily 
effected. In this manner, the revered shade of a 
beloved husband still hovers around the lonely 
widow, protecting her with a more sublime, 
because more spiritual power than when on earth. 
To his image and character the helpless widow 
directs the revolting spirits of her bolder sons, 
and the fury of those young lions is soon tamed ; 
to his memory she appeals, when in the struggles 
of a heartless world, it becomes necessary to 
defend herself from mercenary aggressions, and 
in most cases the appeal will be successful. 

A widow, therefore, true to her interest and 
calling, will cultivate the memory of her departed 
husband with delight and care ; he is not dead to 
her, whose heart contains no other image but his, 
whose soul still swells with the sweetest emotions, 
even at the bare mention of his name. Years 
may pass away ; with them does not pass away 
or diminish in brilliancy, the picture of one who 
was all in all to her while living. A widow in 
that sense of the word, has still a husband, a 
protector, a counselor, a guide. 

As regards her physical welfare, she has, in view 

of her widowed position, no other rules to follow 

but those general hygienic laws, which it is the 

duty of every one to obey, in order to preserve || 

h6 |j 



168 



WIDOW. 



health. Her system has been fully developed 
during her married state, and is, therefore, not 
more prone to diseases, than others who are still 
married. Activity of body and mind, variety in 
both, and cheerful contentment, are essential in 
all conditions to health and happiness. 



CHAPTER. VII. 



MATEON 



When the evening of life draws nearer, and 
the sun of its physical appearance inclines to- 
wards the verge of the horizon, then the lamp of 
the inner man begins to shine brighter, illuminat- 
ing with more than earthly lustre, all the recesses 
of a heart, tried so often and trained so well, and 
now ready to forgive and to forget everything, but 
the love it bears to every one around, and which 
never was so holy, because never so disinterested 
as now. 

The wife and mother has become a matron and 
grand-mother; a great change has taken place. 
Her physical condition cannot favorably compare 
with that of former years. Step by step, her 
senses weaken; her eye-sight grows more dim, 
her hearing more obtuse ; she has lost the elastic 
movement of her limbs, and the ready eagerness 
of mental pursuit. Slowly but surely, all earthly 
ties seem to loosen, and none seem finally to be 
left, strong enough to fasten her flying spirit to 
interests below. Yet one feeling never forsakes 



170 MATRON. 



her, one thought always is present in her mind, 
which already almost lives in other spheres. The 
same love which filled her heart in younger days, 
and made her endure and suffer for the sake of others 
so heroically, still glows within her, and keeps alive 
the interest between the outward world and her 
retiring spirit. Love, that mysterious child of 
heaven, is still the silent but powerful telegraphic 
messenger, which unseen, but not unfelt, travels 
patiently over the wires of the soul, from the 
heart of the aged matron to the objects of its 
longings, which she is daily leaving farther 
behind her. No physical decay can reach this 
immortal attribute of man, and prevent its mani- 
festation, as long as life and consciousness remain. 
A matron, in her relations to family and 
society, is invested with a peculiar interest, and 
excites our most lively attention. Removed by 
physical inability, from the common strife of the 
day, yet fondly attached to remembrances of the 
past, which revive more vividly than ever, she 
becomes, by comparing them with the present 
condition of society, an able critic and fearless 
monitor. She cherishes the young, and re-kindles 
on the fullness of their joyous vitality her own 
expiring years ; the innocence of early years seems 
to re-enter the place within her heart where it 
once dwelt, and happified her whole existence. 
The experience of a whole life, spent in arduous 



MATKON. 171 



pursuit and discharge of duties, seems only to 
have been the means of preparing her for the 
re-union with qualities of the soul, belonging pre- 
eminently to the days of inexperienced childhood, 
where no passionate excitement as yet disturbs the 
placid waters of contentment. She is contented, 
she is delighted in the company of children ; like 
them, she has no wish for gain or ambition of 
distinction ; like them, she enjoys the moment in 
the innocent pleasures it bestows, be they ever so 
insignificant in the eyes of others. Frequently 
she directs with evident relish, the various sports 
of the little ones, being careful not to offend their 
tender sensibilities by any unkind remark or 
action. 

More judicious than a mother, and more patient 
than a father, the matron rules the child-world 
more satisfactorily than both. Because she herself, 
delights in what she creates for their amusement, 
and a child soon distinguishes between those who 
really sympathise with its whims and joys, and 
those who only affect to do so. She is, therefore, 
not neglected by the younger generation, but 
rather preferred to others nearer to them in age 
and relation. This fact alone constitutes a moral 
triumph of no mean importance, as in the econo- 
my of nature, it becomes a counterpoise to the 
physical inabilities and ills of old age not to be 
attained by any other means. Cheerless, indeed, 



172 MATRON. 



must be the winter of life, if not enlivened by the 
jingling bells of infantile chattering, and the restless 
motion of childhood. 

In company with adults, the matron appears in 
all the dignity which age and ripened experience 
confer. The deference and esteem paid to her in 
the social circles, at home or abroad, are well 
earned testimonials of her worth, and sit lightly 
upon the character of one who is conscious that 
in every relation of life she was anxious to do her 
duty to others from none but disinterested motives. 
It is a satisfaction for the matron of a house, to 
be consulted in matters of importance, because the 
exercise of judgment in more advanced age be- 
comes a necessity of the mind's activity, as in 
younger days activity itself forms a part of life's 
nourishment. Blessed is the son or daughter, who 
can call upon an aged mother for counsel and 
advice in times of need, or matters of importance. 
The wisdom of higher years has improved by age, 
as the wine does in its quality ; unlike the judg- 
ment of younger persons, it is free from the 
unrefined, poignant acerbity of selfishness, which 
vet adheres to those of little experience in worldly 
affairs. A matron's useful lesson and cautious 
warning saves them, therefore, many a failure and 
annoyance, even in the common business transac- 
tions of life. Thus, the knowledge resulting from 
a life of labor and exertion, is not entirely lost 



MATRON. 173 



or spent in vain ; it is transmitted to posterity 
through daughter or son, and becomes the means 
of still greater development. We cannot describe 
here all the relations of life in family or society, 
where a matron's prudent counsel exerts the most 
beneficial influence; they are too numerous and 
varied. 

But not the mind alone should be kept active 
in the highest stage of life, in order to lighten 
the burden of an existence, which drawing to- 
wards its close, becomes physically more and more 
sluggish, but the body also should enjoy as much 
exercise as is possible, and compatible with com- 
fort. It is too often the case, that aged ladies 
allow themselves to indulge in the habit of too 
much and long continued sitting. This is particu- 
larly injurious, when they incline to corpulency, 
as it begets a tendency to apoplexy, or hastens its 
occurrence, if the tendency to this disease already 
exists. 

Daily exercise, plenty of fresh air, and the free 
use of water externally, is as necessary in this 
advanced stage of life, as in former ones ; a 
difference, however, exists, as regards the free use 
of water internally, which in old age is not so 
much called for, nor so beneficial as in young 
persons. A little good old wine, at or after 
dinner, is more apt to aid the weakened digestion 
of old people, than the use of cold water, because 



174 MATRON. 



old wine contains just that stimulus which suits 
the diminished re-action in a declining system. 
The wine, therefore, is justly called by the an- 
cients, " lac senwn" the milk of the aged, and 
if used only at dinner, in a small quantity, pro- 
duces vigorous digestion, sustaining thereby the 
strength of the system. 

Elderly persons, although enjoying a good 
appetite and healthy digestion, should nevertheless 
avoid eating to satiation. It will be better to 
eat often, but little at a time ; in this respect, the 
same rule obtains in old age as in childhood. 
Changes of temperature should be strictly re- 
garded, as they frequently produce the most 
dangerous consequences in old age. Exposures 
to cold and damp weather, are particularly injuri- 
ous to the lungs, and cold wet feet to the 
abdominal organs, which are at best the weakest 
part in an aged system. 

Almost all diseases which may befall women at 
this stage of life, have no characteristic peculiar 
to the sex, and we must, therefore, refer the reader 
as to their treatment, to the physician, or to those 
works treating on this subject in general. 



RECAPITULATION. 175 



RECAPITULATION". 
Thus, have we traced the female constitution 
and character, from its first appearance in the 
girl, developing through all the stages and changes 
of womanhood, as wife and mother, to the last pe- 
riod of its existence, the old lady, or matron. "We 
have seen this female character, nnder the most 
varied conditions of life, still evince such a har- 
mony of expression with the physical constitution 
of woman, that we cannot for a moment resist 
the conviction that the latter is the basis of the 
former. In arriving, therefore, at the true destiny 
of woman, we were compelled to begin by inter- 
rogating her physical nature. In doing so we 
soon perceived the limits of her career, not merely 
in misty outlines, ill-defined and easily to be 
overlooked, but, on the contrary, well-defined and 
visible to any one whose intention is rather to 
observe nature than to criticise her institutions. 
These critics of nature and her laws have existed 
in all times, and their voices have been heard in 
all directions, expressing dissatisfaction with the 
rule of the laws of nature, and seeking to substi- 
tute in their stead laws of their own make. How 
sadly the world would fare, however, under the 
government of these hypercritical philosophers, 
a single incident in the life of one of them 
might demonstrate. While walking in the shade 



176 RECAPITULATION. 

of some stately oak, our philosopher, being well 
pleased with the grand appearance of this king 
of the forests, observed on close examination that 
its fruit, the acorn, did not correspond in size 
with the magnificent proportions of the tree, and 
accused nature, or nature's God, of a great error 
in not having allowed the oak to bring forth fruit 
of the size of a melon, which would correspond so 
much better with its giant proportions. Having 
thus exercised his critical acumen, and being 
satisfied as to the righteous judgment in these 
matters, he laid down in the grateful shade of the 
criticised work of nature, and fell asleep. During 
his sleep, the wind agitating the branches of the 
oak, caused one of the acorns to fall, and, as it 
happened, on the nose of our philosopher, who 
awaking in terror and amazement at finding his 
nose bleeding, exclaimed : " Fool that I was, to cor- 
rect nature's laws ! If a melon had thus struck me 
instead of an acorn, I now would not live to see 
my error, and adore the wisdom of' the Creator!" 
In observing the part woman has to play 
on the great theatre of life, we have found how 
just and economical everything in her own and 
the condition of her fellow-actors is arranged, to 
bring about the greatest effects from the smallest 
means ; how the weakest being, as woman appears 
to be, can and does execute the greatest and most 
comprehensive work of life ; how on her depends 



BEOAPITULATION. 177 

the welfare and glory of all ; and how she only 
can fulfill this wonderful mission by either intui- 
tively following the promptings of her nature, or 
by reading and studying closely the features of 
her destiny, as they are unmistakably laid down 
in her own constitution and the relation it bears 
to man and society. The sphere of woman is the 
most exalted in the whole domain of nature ; let 
her but fulfill the mission assigned to her, and let 
her perfect but her own legitimate career, and 
the world will soon everywhere, as it has already 
been done in our own blessed country, acknow- 
ledge her right to rule society, which it was her 
sole prerogative to create by forming the family 
and its sweet sociability. 

To the above we will add a stronger testimony 
and more urgent appeal in the very comprehen- 
sive language of M. Aime Martin. " There is no 
universal power on earth, except that of women. 
Nature has given to them the superintendence of 
our childhood, and the control of our youth. As 
children we owe them our thoughts; as young 
men we lavish our sentiments upon them ; and 
they preserve at a later period as wives, that 
influence they had acquired as mothers and as mis- 
tresses. Thus the entire circle of our life rolls on 
beneath their influence. The mission of weak- 
ness is to regulate strength; the mission of 
love is to make us delight in virtue. 



178 RECAPITULATION. 



"Oh, woman 1 could you but have a glimpse of 
some of the wonders promised to maternal in- 
fluence, with what a noble pride would you enter 
upon this career, which nature has generously 
opened to you during so many ages ! That which 
is not in the power of any monarch, of any nation, 
it is sufficient that you should will it in order 
to execute it. You only upon earth dispose of 
the generation which is just born, and you alone 
can re-unite its scattered members, and impart to 
them the same impulse. That which I could only 
write upon this insensible paper, you can engrave 
on the heart of a whole people ! Ah ! when I see 
in our promenades and public gardens this bois- 
terous crowd of little children who are playing 
around, my heart beats with joy from thinking 
that they still belong to you. Let each of you 
labor only for the happiness of your child ; in each 
individual happiness God has placed the promise 
of the general happiness. Young girls, young 
wives, young mothers you hold the sceptre; in 
your souls much more than in the laws of legisla- 
tors, now repose the futurity of our nation, the 
world and the destinies of the human race." 



PAKT II 



DISEASES 



WOMEN; 



THEIR DESCRIPTION, AND 



HOMOEOPATHIC TREATMENT. 



CHAPTER I. — Diseases of Sexual Development. 
ct II. — " of Generative Organs. 

" III. — " of Nervous Function. 



CHAPTER I. 



DISEASES OP SEXUAL DEVELOPMENT. 

I. PUBERTY AND ITS ABNORMAL APPEARANCE. 

In the first part of this work we have explained 
the meaning of the term puberty, when applied to 
the female system, and have mentioned the va- 
rious processes and phenomena through which it 
has to pass and manifest its presence. If this de- 
velopment of the system occurs in a normal order 
and degree, no disease accompanies its manifesta- 
tion, and we behold the girl transformed into a 
woman, approaching all her characteristics, with- 
out the slightest degree of sickness or distress. 
Not always, however, does this great change, 
which has its principal seat in the ovaries, take 
place in such regular and healthy manner. It 
may appear too early or too tardily ; the develop- 
ment may be an imperfect one, or may not com- 
mence at all ; or if it has made its appearance, the 
various phenomena may not occur in harmony 
with each other. In all these cases it is evident 
that the whole organism must participate in the 
morbid movements of the sexual development, and 



182 DISEASES OF SEXUAL DEVELOPMENT. 

create disorders which are in more or less intimate 
connection with it. To this class of diseases 
belongs what is called 

CHLOROSIS. GEEEN SICKNESS. 

Diagnosis. — The patients have a peculiar color 
of the skin, not excessively white, as we see it 
after severe loss of blood, but a paleness with an 
admixture of yellow and green ; the lips appear at 
times almost white, the lower eyed ids swell, and 
appear darkish blue ; the skin, rather loose and 
flabby, feels cold to the touch ; the patients them- 
selves cannot bear a low temperature, and wish to 
be where it is warm. The tongue shows an un- 
usual pale color, and is frequently covered with a 
thick, tough mucus. The patients evince great 
muscular weakness ; tire very soon after slight ex- 
ertions ; love, therefore, rest, being apparently lazy. 
The same languor expresses itself in the oper- 
ations of the mind, which is listless and without 
energy. The patients breathe hurriedly, not, how- 
ever, because they have a difficulty in breathing, 
but on account of not having muscular strength 
enough to take a deep breath ; an examination of 
the lungs would show no morbid alteration of the 
texture ; the heart palpitates considerably, parti- 
cularly when going up stairs, and the pulse is 
accelerated, sometimes to 140 beats in a minute, 
yet not full, but small, weak, wiry, and easily to 



CHLOROSIS. 183 



be compressed. The veins of the skin appear of a 
pale rose color, never distended as in health ; and 
the blood in them is thin and watery. With a 
diminished appetite, the patients have a slimy 
taste in the mouth, pressure in the pit of the sto- 
mach, and eructation of wind after eating, even of 
the most digestible nourishment ; sometimes there 
is an immoderate desire for eating chalk, charcoal, 
etc. Digestion is deranged, causing sometimes 
excessive constipation, followed by a diarrhsea of 
substances badly digested. If the affection pro- 
ceeds unchecked, the lower extremities become 
swollen, hectic cough sets in, sometimes with ex- 
pectoration of dark-colored clots of blood, symp- 
toms which have all the appearance of a rapid 
decline. In some cases the nervous system be- 
comes sympathetically affected, producing hysteri- 
cal fits, spasms, even somnambulism. 

"We have given above a full description of this 
disease, to enable the reader to recognize it from 
its first appearance. Although the disease is evi- 
dently the result of an inharmonious development 
of the sexual functions, yet we cannot positively 
fix the cause upon one particular function in all 
cases. Sometimes menstruation had not made its 
appearance before the disease sets in, and we natu- 
rally infer that its suppression has produced it. In 
other cases, however, the disease can develop itself, 

though the menstruation has appeared, but then 
i 2 



184 



DISEASES OF SEXUAL DEVELOPMENT. 



it must have been either too earl y or too profuse ; 
which circumstance, reflecting deleteriously on the 
simultaneous development in other organs of the 
system, produces chlorosis, by deteriorating nutri- 
tion. Any want of harmony, therefore, in the 
development of the sexual function, can excite this 
disease. As regards climate, the northern may 
retard too much, and the southern may too greatly 
accelerate the formation of the menses. The same 
may be said in regard to the conditions of life ; in 
the poorer classes every thing has a tendency to 
weaken ; in the richer, to over-stimulate the con- 
stitution ; either of which has deleterious effects 
on the normal development of sexual functions. 

More immediate, exciting causes of this disease 
are those extremes of the mind, exhibiting either a 
love of indulging in frivolous phantasies and im- 
moral connections, or a depression of spirits, a 
melancholy caused by home-sickness, troubles of 
all kinds, and particularly by disappointments in 
love. Marshy regions, damp dwellings, excessive 
exertions or sedentary habits, immense loss of 
blood, in fact, everything which can weaken the 
constitution, while it needs all its strength to de- 
velop the sexual functions, can produce chlorosis. 

Treatment. — As this disease, on account of its 
great importance, always needs the attendance of 
a skillful physician, we merely intend to draw the 
attention of the reader to the principal remedies 



CHLOEOSIS. 185 



to be used in the beginning, the application of 
which frequently prevents its progress. The cause 
which may have excited it must be removed, if 
possible, before an application of medicine can be 
of much avail. If chlorosis occurs in girls, when 
the first menses have not yet appeared, the treat- 
ment mentioned for obstructions of menstruation, 
in the following chapter, will be suitable. 

Among the remedies Pulsatilla will be best 
adapted to females of a mild disposition, given 
to sadness and tears, or if exposure to cold or 
dampness was the cause ; if there is difficulty of 
breathing after slight exertion, sallow complexion, 
alternating with redness and flushes of heat, pal- 
pitation of the heart, cold hands and feet, looseness 
of the bowels and leucorrhea, cough with expecto- 
ration of dark coagulated blood, mental and phy- 
sical langor. Sulphur after the above remedy, if 
the patient is not relieved. Bryonia alternates 
well with pulsatilla, if there are frequent conges- 
tions to the head, bleeding at the nose, dry cough, 
bitter taste in the mouth, and chilliness, with pain 
in the small of the back. After sulphur it is 
frequently necessary to give calcarea carb., if the 
oppression of the chest is very great, and the 
extremities begin to swell, after which ferrum 
should be given in repeated doses, particularly 
when the sallow hue of the face continues with 

great debility, want of appetite, nausea and hectic 
1 3 



186 DISEASES OF SEXUAL DEVELOPMENT. 

cough. The above medicines should be given in 
long intervals, say every third or fourth day a 
dose, (six glob.,) "until amendment takes place, or 
another remedy is indicated ; ferrum may be 
given in the first trituration, the other remedies in 
higher potencies. If this disease occurs after se- 
vere sickness or hemorrhages, give china and 
carb. veg., every other evening a dose, (six glob.,) 
alternately for at least five or six weeks. In both 
cases, if the above medicines do not relieve, apply 
to a skillful physician without delay. 

Application of Water. — The frequent use of 
the sitting-bath in the morning, and the sponge- 
bath in the evening, is very beneficial ; during the 
night the patient should apply the wet bandage 
around the abdomen ; but during menstruation 
all application of water must be omitted. 

Diet and Regimen. — Let the diet be very nu- 
tritious, and make the patient exercise freely in 
the open air ; if mineral springs are chosen for a 
summer resort, give the preference to the chaly- 
beate, containing iron. 

MENSTRUATION AND ITS ABNORMAL APPEARANCE. • 

Of all the phenomena connected with the sexual 
development of the female, menstruation claims 
our greatest attention ; although, as we have seen 
in the first part of this book, it is the result, rather 
than the cause of this development. Yet it is one 



ABNORMAL MENSTRUATION. 187 

of its most prominent signs, and we can be greatly 
guided by its appearance in our actions, if such 
are necessary by the presence of disease. Men- 
struation may show its abnormal character in 
various ways, either as too tardy in its appear- 
ance, or suppressed after its appearance, too co- 
pious or too scanty; difficult and painful; it 
may return too quickly or last too long, and 
finally it may appear on other places than the 
natural one in the system. We will now consider 
the above points successively. 

Tardy Menstruation. — It is of the utmost 
importance first to know whether a girl, although 
old enough to be menstruated, is developed suffi- 
ciently otherwise to make it necessary for the 
menses to appear. As we have seen in the chap- 
ter on girlhood, menstruation is the result of 
changes which, at the time of puberty, have to 
take place in the ovaries, and without which no 
discharge will be possible, and if forced by medi- 
cine to appear, wdll destroy rather than establish 
health. As long as the girl has not increased in 
size across the hips, or the breasts have not become 
fuller, indeed until the whole form and conduct of 
the girl shows that this change has taken place in 
the internal parts, no effort must be made to force 
nature, as it would be not only fruitless, but really 
injurious. In such cases a general treatment 

should be instituted ; the girl should be made to 
i4 



188 DISEASES OF SEXUAL DEVELOPMENT. 

exercise freely in the open air, and not be allowed 
to frequent school, if in the habit of attending. 
Nature will soon rally her formative forces, and 
herself establish without force what medicine could 
not do without injury. But if the girl is fully 
developed otherwise, (see p. 87,) if she suffers from 
time to time or at regular monthly intervals from 
pains and congestions either in the head, breast, 
or abdomen, it is necessary for us to interfere by 
giving some of the medicines, as described below. 
In such a case also it is indispensable to regulate 
her habits, and make her follow the most strict 
hygienic rules. She ought not to study or sit long 
at a time, but rather exercise in the open air, 
either by walking or riding in all kinds of weather, 
although she must not be neglectful as to the 
changes of temperature, taking especial care to 
have her feet always dry and warm. And here 
we may be allowed to remark, that in the course 
of a long practice we have found the wearing of 
thin-soled shoes to be the most fruitful source of 
the decay of female beauty and the decline of 
female health. The injury of tight lacing (al- 
though considerable) is nothing in comparison 
with the fatal habit of appearing, in all kinds of 
weather, in thin-soled shoes and light stockings; 
the consequences of the latter are beyond descrip- 
tion fearful and destructive. She should avoid all 
highly seasoned food and stimulating drinks, such 



TARDY MENSTRUATION. 189 

as coffee, tea, wines and malt liquors ; water, 
however, externally and internally should be used 
frequently and freely. 

In a majority of cases, besides prescribing the 
observance of the above hygienic rules, we have 
found it sufficient to administer to the girl, in 
order to establish the first menses, puhatilla, 
every evening a dose (four glob.) for four evenings, 
then to discontinue for four evenings, after which 
to give sulphur in the same manner, if necessary. 
This treatment we have generally commenced a 
few days before the return of the monthly distress 
could be expected. Just at this time a warm foot- 
bath may be administered in the evening when 
going to bed. 

If these remedies are not effective, we must 
have recourse to one or more of the following 
remedies : 

Bryonia, if the girl looks flushed in the face, 
her nose bleeds frequently, and she inclines to 
constipation. 

Veratrum, if she is chilly, has cold hands and 
feet, palpitation of the heart and disposition to 
diarrhea. BellacL, if she is frequently troubled 
with congestion to the brain, redness of the eyes, 
intolerance of light, giddiness when stooping, 
having a full, bounding pulse, yet cold feet. In 
such a case aconite should be given alternately 
with belladonna. If, however, spasms should 
i5 



190 DISEASES OF SEXUAL DEVELOPMENT. 

threaten or indeed break out, with nausea and 
vomiting, screaming, even convulsions, cuprum 
should be given in alternation with belladonna, 
every half hour a dose, (four glob.,) until better. 

Phosphorus is indicated, when the breast and 
lungs seem to suffer in females of a delicate 
constitution, weak chest, but lively disposition; 
particularly when, instead of menstruation, an ex- 
pectoration of small quantities of blood occurs 
with a hacking cough and pains in the chest. 

Arsenicum is particularly useful, if dropsical 
symptoms appear, swelling round the eyes in the 
morning, and of the feet or ankles in the evening, 
besides a feeling, as if hot water was coursing in 
the veins. 

Suppressed menstruation, or its temporary 
cessation, when once having been well established. 
This occurs either suddenly, by taking cold, (from 
wet feet mostly,) over-heating, violent mental 
emotions, faults of diet, in consequence of other 
diseases, such as rheumatism, or diseases of the 
lungs, liver, uterus, etc., in which cases it often 
produces violent congestions of the chest, head 
and stomach, with cramps, convulsions, inflamma- 
tions and with various other symptoms of disease ; 
or the menses have disappeared, without creating 
any complaints ; in which case it may be caused 
by pregnancy, or lay the foundation of serious 
chronic disorders, not at that time apparent. 



SUPPRESSED MENSTRUATION. 191 

* If the suppression of the menses lias been 
caused by the presence of other diseases in the 
system, such as rheumatism, etc., as above referred 
to, the cure of these disorders has to be effected 
by an appropriate treatment, before the return of 
the menses can be expected. 

If, however, the suppression is a sudden one in 
consequence of othe - " morbific causes, producing vio- 
lent symptoms, select from among the following 
remedies the most homoeopathic, and administer 
it either in solution (twelve glob.) in half teacupful 
of water) every hour or two hours a teaspoonful, 
or in the dry state (four glob, in the same intervals 
until better, or until another remedy is indicated. 
Pulsatilla is here also the principal remedy, 
particularly in females of a mild disposition, in- 
clined to weep readily and feel melancholy; if 
the suppression was the result of getting cold or 
wet; if the patient suffers from headache, espe- 
cially on one side, with shooting pains in face, 
ears and teeth ; palpitation of the heart, suffocat- 
ing feeling, flashes of heat, though the face looks 
pale, nausea, vomiting, pressure in the lower part 
of the abdomen, disposition to diarrhea, frequent 
desire to void urine. 

Opium, if all the blood seems to have rushed 
to the head, producing heavinesss there with 
dark redness of the face and drowsiness, even 

convulsive jerks of the muscles. 
16 



192 DISEASES OF SEXUAL DEVELOPMENT. 

Bryonia, either after or in alternation with 
Pulsatilla, especially if there is great tendency 
of the blood to the head, producing a swimming, 
heaviness and pressure, particularly in the fore- 
head, worse by stooping or moving; congestion 
and pains in the chest; bleeding at the nose, 
dry, hacking cough, with pains in the lungs, like 
pleurisy, pains in the small of the back. 

Aconite should be given first in all cases where 
the congestion of head or chest is very great, pulse 
full and bounding; throbbing, shooting pains in 
in the head, sometimes producing delirium. If 
fright is the cause, its application should be fol- 
lowed, if necessary by opium, especially if the 
head is very much congested ; and by veratrum, 
if severe cramps in the abdomen are present. 

Belladonna in alternation with aconite, if in 
young and plethoric persons the congestion of the 
head is very great, accompanied with dread of 
light, fever, burning thirst, bearing down in the 
lower parts of the abdomen towards the genitals, 
red and bloated face. 

Chamomile, when the suppression was caused 
by a severe fit of anger; ignatia, if caused by 
grief, fright, chagrin ; opium, if from sudden joy 
or fear: hyoscyamus, if from unhappy love or 
jealousy, particularly when accompanied by con- 
vulsions, sudden starts or involuntary laughter 
during sleep, desire to run off; mercury, if caused 



FLOODING. 193 



by home-sickness, and then alternately with phos- 
phoric acid, if the patient is dull, listless, the hair 
falls out, has profuse night sweats and hectic fever. 

Sulphur in all cases where pulsatilla has failed 
to restore the catamenia, or where the suppression 
did not excite very violent symptoms immediately, 
but threatens to lay the foundation to chronic 
disorders. In such cases it must not be oftener 
given than once in eight days (six glob.) 

Too Copious Menstruation — Flooding. — If the 
discharge is too profuse or lasts too long, it is not 
composed any more of real menstrual blood, which, 
being a secretion from the uterus, is -different 
in quality from the blood in the vessels ; but it is 
common blood, passing away from the womb, 
either in paroxysms or steady dropping. Such 
cases are generally attended by pains in the back, 
loins and abdomen, resembling labor pains. 
They are either caused by fright, fear or other 
mental excitements, or external injuries, such as 
a fall or blow ; ulcerations in the womb also pro- 
duce them. If mental causes have preceded, the 
reader will find the same remedies beneficial as 
related above for suppressed menstruation, espe- 
cially if caused by mental agitation. 

If external injuries produced the flooding, the 
use of arnica internally is necessary. In every 
case, however, complete rest in a horizontal posi- 
tion is indispensable, the head being not higher 



194 DISEASES OF SEXUAL DEVELOPMENT. 

than the hips ; the covering may be suited to the 
feelings of the patient; it generally ought to be 
more cool than warm. 

If other than the above causes have produced 
the hemorrhage, we must select from among the 
following remedies. 

Ipecac, in alternation with china, is the princi- 
pal remedy, particularly if 'there is great weakness, 
buzzing in the ears, faintness, when raising the 
head off the pillow ; the blood is bright red. Bella- 
donna, if there is a hearing down sensation. Pulsa- 
tilla and lachesis, if the flooding occurs during 
change of life, at which time ipecac, and secale are 
of great benefit, particularly in decrepid women. 

Chamomile, if dark, clotted blood is discharged, 
accompanied by colic-like labor-pains, violent 
thirst, coldness of the extremities, headache, with 
clouded sight and humming in the ears. 

Crocus, if the blood is dark colored, clotted 
and very copious, and the menses have appeared 
before the usual time. 

Platina, in the same case, particularly if at- 
tended with bearing down pains, great nervous- 
ness, sleeplessness and constipation ; alternates 
well with belladonna and chamomile. 

Coffea and camphor, in alternation, when there 
is, beside the above symptoms, exceedingly painful 
colic. 

Secale, if the discharge occurs in elderly women, 



FLOODING. 195 



attended with great weakness and coldness of 
extremities, and then in alternation with china, 
if the discharge has been copious, or with carb. 
veg., if the weakness from the same cause is very 
great. In such cases small quantities of old wine, 
such as Madeira, but frequently given in some 
water, are of great service. 

If veal flooding ensues, resisting the above medi- 
cines, the application of cold water or pounded 
ice over the lower part of the abdomen, externally, 
becomes necessary, in order to coagulate the 
blood in the vagina and uterus, by which means 
the hemorrhage generally ceases. There is no 
danger of getting cold in doing this, if it is only 
done right ; the patient must be lightly, but well 
covered, in a position strictly horizontal, and as 
quiet as possible. This treatment will be effec- 
tual in the severest cases of flooding. If cold 
water is applied, the bandages must be renewed 
as often as they become a little warm, say every 
two or three minutes ; they must be wrung out 
well at each renewal. 

At the same time, when this external process 
is going on, the proper internal remedies should 
be continued. They must be administered in 
solution ; six globules, of a remedy, in six tea- 
spoonfulls of water, every fifteen, twenty, or thirty 
minutes a tea-spoonfull ; the intervals should be 
extended as the patient gets better. 



196 DISEASES OE SEXUAL DEVELOPMENT. 

The drink given to such patients must be 
cold and not of a stimulating nature ; except when 
faintness appears, with deadly paleness of the 
face, no pulse, and cloudiness of sight, give wine 
and brandy in frequent but small quantities. 
Camphor and china are, in such cases, of the great- 
est benefit. 

Menstruation of too long duration or return- 
ing too quickly requires the use of the same 
remedies as above described under menstruation 
too copious. If it occurs at the period of change 
of life, compare the article on this subject. 

Menstruation too late and too scanty, require, in 
the main, all those remedies enumerated under 
the head of menstruation too tardy. Pulsatilla 
is the principal remedy, when the menses appear 
too late or do not discharge enough, also when 
they are irregular, sometimes too late and too pro- 
fuse, (which occurs mostly at the critical period or 
change of life,) sometimes too early and too scanty. 
In the former lachesis alternates well with puls- 
atilla. In most all cases sulphur is necessary to 
a complete cure. 

Deviation of menses is a term signifying the 
appearance of a monthly discharge of blood from 
other places of the system, such as the lungs, 
bowels, nose, stomach, etc., which has the effect, 
that while it lasts, the real menstruation cannot 
appear. This aberration, as it may properly be 



PAINFUL MENSTRUATION. 197 

called, of a discharge so vitally connected with 
the sexual functions, has been observed to have 
taken place from all organs and parts of the sys- 
tem, bowels, stomach, rectum, fauces, nose, gums, 
urinary organs, respiratory organs, eyes, ears, 
ulcers and wounds, wherever they were ; the 
principal places, however, are the nose, stomach, 
lungs and the end of the rectum. As regards the 
causes of this singular phenomenon, a great diver- 
sity of opinion exists, as yet, among the authors ; 
we have mentioned its occurrence here, to enable 
the reader to recognize its appearance, and to ad- 
minister such medicines in its beginning, as are 
advisable. Should the disease resist those reme- 
dies, the advice of a skillful physician must be 
sought at once. 

If the discharge appears monthly through the 
eyes, chamom., nux vom., carh. veg. and bella. will 
prove beneficial ; if through the nose or ears, bryo- 
nia, mercury, rhus and silicea ; if through the lips 
and gums, bryonia, mercury and phosphorus; if 
through the fauces and lungs, phosphorus and bryo- 
nia ; if through the stomach by vomiting, bryonia, 
carb. veg., veratrum; if through the boivels and 
rectum, nux vom., arsenic, sulphur. The latter 
remedy will be the most important in every case 
at the end of the cure to prevent a relapse. 

Too difficult, painful menstruation, menstrual 
colics, are of frequent occurrence, and constitute 



198 DISEASES OF SEXUAL DEVELOPMENT. 

ailments of no slight importance to the health 
and comfort of the person thus afflicted. Their 
causes generally can be traced back to the early 
years of womanhood, to improper treatment of 
other diseases, suppression of eruptions or habitual 
discharges, rheumatic disorders, colds, etc. The 
pains either appear before or during the flow of 
the menses, sometimes resembling real labor pains, 
with bearing down and forcing; at other times 
there is a constant aching in the loins, hips and 
limbs. They generally diminish in violence as 
soon as the regular flow commences, but not 
always. We found the following treatment in the 
majority of cases the most successful. 

As soon as the patient feels the pain commenc- 
ing, she should lie down, cover well and take 
cqffea, pulsatilla and veratrum in alternation, every 
half hour a dose (four glob.) until better. If this 
does not relieve within two hours, take nux vorn. 
if the forcing pains predominate ; cocculus if colic 
pains appear in the abdomen, with shortness of 
breath ; chamomile if with discharge of dark colored 
blood, there are pains resembling labor pains, 
together with colic pains and tenderness of the 
abdomen. 

If a profuse perspiration sets in while in bed, 
the patient must not leave it immediately after the 
pains cease, nor cool off too quickly, else the pains 
return. Avoid the use of heating substances 



CHANGE OF LIFE. 199 



internally and externally, save a hot brick on the 
the feet or stomach. 

CESSATION OF THE MENSES OK CHANGE OF LIFE. 

This period, commencing about the age of 
forty-five, forms one of the most important in the 
life of a female. If not guided through this criti- 
cal time by the counsel and aid of a skillful 
physician, she gathers the seeds of endless misery 
or even early death. This period may be a bless- 
ing to her as well as a source of great distress ; 
because after it her health becomes either more 
confirmed, or disorganizations in internal organs 
may form with fatal consequences. Without 
enlarging here further on the subject, we recom- 
mend the early and constant advice of a skillful 
physician during this period, which generally lasts 
from one to two years. 

Change of life begins with an irregularity of 
the menses ; they cease for two, three or four 
months, thus giving rise to a suspected pregnancy ; 
then re-appear with great violence, then cease 
again for four or six months, during which time 
the woman shows more or less symptoms of con- 
gestion ; piles appear ; the limbs swell ; pruritus 
(violent itching of the private parts,) sets in, 
sometimes; also cramps and colics in the ab- 
domen; asthma and palpitation of the heart; 
sick-headache ; hysterics ; apoplexy, etc. These 



200 DISEASES OF SEXUAL DEVELOPMENT. 



maladies are so various, continually changing and 
complicated, that they require the constant watch- 
ful care of a family physician. If at any time he 
merits this glorious name, it is in a case where he 
has to guide, safely, the mother of a family, like a 
faithful pilot, through the dangerous rapids of her 
critical period. As to general rules we would 
advise great moderation in eating and drinking, 
particularly not to indulge in articles of a stimu- 
lating nature, such as wines, liquors and spices ; 
the sleeping apartment should be airy, well venti- 
lated ; violent emotions and fatiguing exercise 
should be avoided, also exposures to inclement 
weather, wet feet, etc. 

As to medicines, Pulsatilla and lacliesis are, 
in this period, the principal remedies, particularly 
for the irregular menses ; every four or six days 
alternately, one dose (six glob.) will be sufficient. 
If other diseases occur during this time, the advice 
of the physician must be sought. 

ABNORMAL EROTIC SENTIMENT. 

Nymphomania. — We would gladly desist to 
treat of the above disease in a work of this kind, 
on account of being obliged to speak about mat- 
ters so delicate, if we did not consider it to be our 
especial duty to inform the reader about a disease, 
which must be recognized in its commencement to 
prevent its further and fearfully demoralizing 



NYMPHOMANIA. 



201 



progress. It consists in an excessive increase of 
the erotic sense. As this disease may even befall 
children of a tender age, from nine to twelve years, 
it becomes an important duty of mothers to make 
themselves acquainted with its nature. It mani- 
fests itself in the desire to have the erotic feeling 
excited, and this is accomplished by various 
methods of rubbing and masturbation, which 
clandestinely is practiced ; in such cases a certain 
degree of modesty still has been retained, yet it 
does not rest there. Soon the patients become per- 
fectly frantic in this respect and lose all finer feelings 
of modesty and decorum, bent only on the one object 
of gratifying their criminal passion without shame 
or hindrance. In the height of this awful phrenzy, 
charity applies the word mania, nymphomania, to 
this disease, which, in its beginning, frequently was 
caused either by neglect of parents in watching 
their children, or by passionate conduct on the part 
of the latter, producing crime and destruction. 

At the time of puberty, and sometime after, 
practices leading to this disease occur most fre- 
quently, and parents ought to be particularly 
careful to watch, at that period, the conduct of 
their children. 

The exciting causes of these abnormities of 
the awakening erotic sense are enumerated as fol- 
lows by Dr. Columbat : " Thus in populous cities, 
idleness, effeminacy, or sedentary life, the constant 



202 DISEASES OF SEXUAL DEVELOPMENT. 

contact of the two sexes, and the frequenting of 
places where everything inspires pleasure, pro- 
longed watching, excessive dancing, frivolous 
occupations, and the study of the arts that give 
too great activity to the imagination, erotic read- 
ing, the pernicious establishment of an artificial 
puberty, the premature shock of the genital system, 
the concentration of the sentiments and thoughts 
on objects which keep the genital system in a state 
of continual excitement ; finally, a number of vi- 
cious habits and excesses of all kinds, which react 
more particularly upon the sensibility of the womb, 
an organ to be considered in the female as the very 
centre towards which all the morbific actions seem 
principally to have a tendency." 

In young children, the cause of this malady 
must be foreign to real sexual development, as 
this latter has not advanced far enough to be- 
come a morbific power. In such cases we have 
found that the presence of ascarides or pin- 
worms, either in large quantities in the rectum, 
or sometimes even in the vagina, may give the 
first impulse to the undue excitement created 
by the continued rubbing on those parts, which 
the child at first in self-defence has to com- 
mence, by the continuation of which, however, 
unfortunately, the erotic sentiment becomes pre- 
maturely developed and habitually stimulated. 
In olgler persons, of course, excuses of this kind 



NYMPHOMANIA. 203 



are inadniissable, except where real disorganiza- 
tions or idiotic formation of the brain compels 
us to think otherwise. 

The consequences of this dreadful disease are 
fearful in the highest degree ; they need not be 
introduced here, as our only object was to inform 
the reader of the existence of such a disease, 
which, in its commencement, might be success- 
fully intercepted in its growth by proper care and 
treatment. 

If a child shows by its actions that it is troubled 
with an irritation in the private parts, it is the 
duty of the mother at once to examine care- 
fully, and if worms are the cause, to have them 
removed. 

The use of cold water by injections in the vagina 
and rectum, also the douche on the hypogastric 
region, are recommended. In older persons, the 
treatment must consist of a mental as well as a 
physical training. In most cases the unfortunates 
can be brought back again to life and happiness, 
by being treated kindly but firmly. Camphor in 
small doses, is perhaps the only remedy which has 
a sufficient bearing upon all cases of this kind, to 
be recommended in a work like this. We omit to 
mention others, as it would carry us beyond the 
legitimate sphere of our intention; this disease 
belongs emphatically to the forum of the physician, 
not the lay practitioner. 



204 DISEASES OF SEXUAL DEVELOPMENT. 

ABSENCE OF EROTIC FEELING. 

Anaphrodisy. — This abnormal condition of the 
female system is, in itself, neither a crime nor does 
it beget disease ; yet its presence is frequently dis- 
turbing the pleasure and happiness of those who 
anticipated both in the matrimonial union. If, 
unfortunately, the wife should have little or no 
passionate excitement, the effect must be unpleas- 
ant in many respects. As it is impossible to go 
here into any farther explanation of a condition 
which varies so much in cause and treatment, we 
must content ourselves with the advice to those 
who suffer under anaphrodisy, that if they can 
overcome the modest reluctance so natural to the 
female character, to ask the advice of a physician ; 
their wishes, in most cases, will be realized by a 
rational treatment. 

STERILITY. 

The impossibility for a woman to conceive, is 
either absolute or relative. It is very difficult to 
point out the precise cause of sterility during the 
life-time of a person, as many of the causes, particu- 
larly those of absolute sterility, lie in the absence 
or malformation of internal organs, which cannot 
be examined. In this uncertain state of diagnosis, 
one rule has to govern us, that is, to consider a 
sterility so long, as a relative or curable one, as we 
are not positively convinced of its absolute nature. 



STERILITY. 



205 



Various remedies have been at all times applied 
to overcome this impediment of nature ; the inge- 
nuity of man has tried to fathom the depths of 
existence, in order to restore that harmony of 
natural processes, which is generally the cause of 
happiness and contentment in this world. But in 
no other department of science have we been re- 
warded with so few satisfactory results. Nature 
seems to have reserved this field for her own action ; 
at least she frequently restores a faculty in later 
years, which in younger days she had denied to her 
offspring. Yet we would advise the reader not to 
neglect the counsel of a physician on this subject ; 
because, sometimes a judicious treatment removes 
the barriers laying in the diseased condition of 
the female. Hundreds and thousands of women 
have been cured of this defect, though a positive 
promise to that effect could not have been given. 
There are instances recorded where women have 
become pregnant for the first time after having 
been married for twenty years. A general consti- 
tutional treatment with homoeopathic remedies, is 
perhaps the best calculated to remove sterility, and 
such a treatment must be instituted by a physi- 
cian, who is competent of ascertaining by careful 
investigation the probable cause of the difficulty. 
Oases depending on uterine congestion, are mostly 
curable, and frequently yield to a well-directed 



treatment 



206 DISEASES OF SEXUAL DEVELOPMENT. 

2, PREGNANCY. 

As a state of purely physiological development 
pregnancy does not, of itself, imply disease as a 
necessary consequence during its duration. Yet 
the many ailments which accompany it at the 
present day, being the legitimate result of the 
complicated, unnatural conditions and habits of 
society, create and sustain the idea which people 
generally entertain, that a pregnant woman can 
never be free from one or the other disease. It is 
our duty, therefore, to give the reader, if not an 
extended treatise, at least a synopsis of those ail- 
ments commonly experienced during gestation, 
together with their treatment. 

In the first part of this book, in the article on 
u Wife, "we have stated ail that we deemed neces- 
sary in regard to the physiological process of 
pregnancy, to which we must refer the reader, in 
order to understand many of the diseases peculiar 
to pregnant women. 

PLETHORA — CONGESTION FEVER. 

These are forms of diseases to which pregnant 
women are more inclined than others, because i& 
that state the blood has naturally a higher degree 
of plasticity or formative energy, which explains 
the fact that women otherwise weakly and badly 
nourished, frequently suffer in this direction; how 
much more must it be the case where women allow 



PLETHORA CONGESTION FEVER. 207 

themselves to indulge in too nourishing and highly 
seasoned food or stimulating drinks. 

Plethora manifests itself by a full, hard and 
more frequent pulse, rush of blood to the head, 
vertigo, buzzing before the ears, numbness of the 
extremities, asthma, sleeplessness, etc. In such a 
state it would be dangerous to await her confine- 
ment; various diseases might result from this 
plethoric condition, of which we will mention only 
one — convulsions — sufficiently important to induce 
energetic action against plethora during gestation. 

Congestion and fever do not differ materially 
from the former in symptoms or their intensity ; 
they appear upon the whole, however, more 
locally and are more transient. 

The principal treatment, particularly to prevent 
plethora, consists in a rigid and careful regimen 
as to diet, exercise and habit. This, in most 
cases, will be sufficient to prevent its appearance, 
and obviate all further medication. For this 
purpose the patient must avoid all mental and 
corporeal excitement; eat little but often, more 
vegetables than meat ; drink nothing but water or 
lemonades, if she is not inclined to diarrhea ; dress 
not too warm and exercise freely in the open air, 
avoiding, however, fatigue. 

If notwithstanding these dietetic rules, symp- 
toms of plethora develop themselves, the patient 

should take, from time to time, aconite and bella- 
k2 



208 DISEASES OF SEXUAL DEVELOPMENT. 

donna alternately, every six, twelve or twenty -four 
hours a dose (six glob.) which, better than bleeding, 
will counteract the above named plastic quality of 
the blood, the real cause of plethora. It is not a 
surplus of blood which forms the characteristic of 
plethora ; such a thing cannot exist in the vessels 
limited to a certain quantity ; this surplus, if it 
existed, would sooner burst the vessels in the nose 
and lungs than be confined in too small a room. 
The above idea has only obtained on account of 
the means which were used to counteract the evil. 
Bleeding was heretofore considered the only 
remedy for plethora, and as it certainly gives mo- 
mentary relief, the physicians judged the disease 
by the remedy, or rather by the action which the 
remedy produced. Subsequent investigations have 
shown that the benefit of a venisection does not 
consist so much in the lesser quantity of blood 
remaining after it in the system, but in the nervous 
influence, and its reflection on the quality of the 
remaining blood. Bleeding constitutes, therefore, 
a remedy for this form of disease, although its 
application is limited to but few instances, particu- 
larly where plethora threatens to give rise to that 
formidable disease called puerperal convulsions, 
one form of which is frequently occasioned by a 
state resembling plethora, where an early veni- 
section will be beneficial, if the head is very much 
congested at the time. 



HEMORRHAGES. 209 



HEMORRHAGES. 

In the article on menstruation, we treated of 
the hemorrhages from the womb, which, if they 
occur during pregnancy, require a similar treat- 
ment, except in cases where symptoms of a 
miscarriage appear ; for these the reader will find 
the necessary advice in the article on that subject. 
Here we intend to speak about the hemorrhages 
from other parts of the system, from the nose, the 
lungs and the stomach. They are frequently 
caused by a congestive tendency and have a criti- 
cal import as to their cause. If they are not too 
severe at the time, the local congestion generally is 
diminished by them, and the patients feel relieved 
afterwards. But if they are too profuse and repeat 
too often, it is necessary to interfere. 

Aconite should be used first, particularly if a 
feverish state preceded the hemorrhage ; if it does 
not speedily relieve, alternate it with bryonia, in 
solution, every half hour a tea-spoonful. If there 
is however, not much fever, but more coldness, or 
if the bleeding has already continued for some 
time, give ipecac, and china in alternation, also in 
solution, in the same manner until better. 

In slight cases the above prescription will be 
suitable for hemorrhage from the nose, stomach 
and lungs ; in severe cases of bleeding from the 
lungs, the alternate use of opium and ipecac, or 



k3 



210 DISEASES OF SEXUAL DEVELOPMENT. 

china will be necessary ; in that of the stomach, 
china and veratrum or arsenic, and the application 
of cold water or ice on the root of the nose if the 
bleeding from this part does not yield speedily. 
In regard to the vomiting of blood, we would yet 
remark that it constitutes, frequently, a symptom 
of inflammation of the spleen, and if so, the 
treatment of this disease must be instituted before 
the vomiting can stop. 

HEMORRHOIDS PILES. 

1 This disease of the rectum frequently occurs 
during the latter part of gestation, and occasions, 
beside great annoyance and distress, sometimes 
even symptoms of threatening miscarriage. By 
carefully avoiding constipation, which may be 
considered one of the principal causes of this 
complaint, it can be mostly prevented or its 
attacks rendered mild and comparatively short. 
We can also by medicines given internally, and 
water, either warm or cold, applied externally, 
mitigate the severe pains and swellings, though 
we may not be able • to cure this disease while 
gestation continues, which being its cause, will 
constantly re-produce it. 

Nux vomica and sulphur in alternation, every 
evening a dose, (six glob.) are the principal reme- 
dies against it. If these should not relieve within 
a few days, recourse may be had to ignatia, if the 



HEHOKRHOIDS PILES. Sill 

pains, like violent stitches, shoot upwards and 
much blood is discharged or the rectum protrudes 
at each evacuation; it also quiets the nervous 
system, if irritated by the ineffectual straining to 
evacuate, so often experienced after a discharge in 
persons troubled with piles. 

If constipation is present in a high degree, 
alternate ignatia with opium^ every two or three 
hours a dose, (six glob.) until better. 

If these remedies do not relieve, give the fol- 
lowing. Sepia, bellad.f hepar, lachesis, arsenicum, 
carb. veget. in their order, in intervals of a day ; 
of each remedy two doses, (six glob, each) until 
better. Externally the application of cold water 
in sitz-baths, compresses or injections, is of the 
greatest benefit when the tumors do not bleed, but 
are very much enlarged and pamful ; while the 
warm water or steam is preferable when the 
tumors bleed or have ceased to bleed, yet continue 
to be very painful. Almost entire abstinence 
from food, except bread and water for a few days, 
shall, according to some authors, be an excellent 
dietetic in piles. Meat diet is to be avoided as 
much as possible. The removal of the tumors 
by the knife is a painful, and during pregnancy, 
highly dangerous operation, as thereby abortion 
may be excited. We, therefore, warn the reader 
never to have an operation of this kind performed 
during pregnancy. 

Kl 



212 DISEASES OF SEXUAL DEVELOPMENT. 



VARICOSE VEINS. 

Like the piles, this disease is caused by the 
pressure of the gravid uterus upon the lower 
blood-vessels, if it occurs during pregnancy ; some 
females have a tendency to it all the time from 
a constitutional debility in the large abdominal 
veins. Such persons during pregnancy surfer 
severely from varicose veins, which sometimes 
enlarge to such an extent as to burst and dis- 
charge the blood either externally or into the 
cellular tissue. In such cases a horizontal posi- 
tion on a couch or bed, and bathing the limbs 
with an arnica solution, taking internally arnica 
and pulsatilla y once or twice a day, will be suffi- 
cient. The laced stocking or a bandage wound 
around the limb tightly from the foot upward, 
will be an excellent preventive for varicose veins. 
Beside the repeated application of cold water, 
bathing or washing is strongly recommended, as 
also the frequent rest on a couch or bed during 
the day, after having loosened the clothes around 
the waist. 

The following medicines, if taken in long inter- 
vals, have a very beneficial effect to mitigate the 
disease. Nux vom., arsenicum, lachesis, lycopo- 
dium, sulphur, two doses of each remedy within 
two weeks, each week one, until one after the 
other has been taken or the patient feels better. 



SWELLING OF THE FEET. 213 

SWELLING OF THE FEET AND LOWER LIMBS. 

The same cause, which during gestation, pro- 
duces varicose yeins and piles, can also produce 
a swelling of the feet, the limbs and even of the 
whole body, as in some extraordinary cases it has 
been witnessed. By the pressure of the extended 
womb on the larger lymphatics, a stagnation 
ensues, which prevents the absorption of the 
lymphatic fluid, and causes it to accumulate 
within the areolar tissue. In the evening the 
lower limbs are generally swollen more, as the 
water sinks by its own gravity ; in the morning 
the face and eye-lids show more of the watery 
infiltration. As long as no fever, at least no full, 
hard pulse attends a circumstance of this kind, it 
is of no great significance, save the annoyance 
and trouble to the patient. It disappears quickly 
after delivery, sometimes in a few hours ; neither 
does it interfere to such a degree during delivery, 
as might be believed from the extent of the swell- 
ing. An immense absorption must take place, 
even during parturition, because in one case, 
which came under our own observation, no hind- 
rance to a successful termination of the birth was 
experienced, although prior to its commencement, 
it seemed almost impossible that it could take place 
at all, in such a degree were the external parts 
swollen, almost closed. In that case, the absorp- 
k5 



214: DISEASES OE SEXUAL DEVELOPMENT. 

tion took place during the labor, as soon as by 
change of position, the child exerted no more 
pressure on the lymphatics. p 

But if the pulse is hard and full, measures must 
be taken to relieve the patient. She must take 
exercise, keep the bowels open by means of cold 
water injections, and the internal use of bryonia 
and opium, every two hours a dose, (six glob.) 
until relieved ; if the fever rises still higher, take 
aconite and bryonia in the same manner 

TOOTH-ACHE. 

This is a frequent complaint during pregnancy ; 
it requires the same attendance as when it occurs 
at other times, with this exception, that the ex- 
traction of carious teeth should not be permitted, 
as the shock occasioned thereby might bring on 
an abortion. Chamomile, belladonna, mercury, 
sulphur, every hour a dose, (four glob.) until better, 
generally relieves the severest pains, and makes 
extraction quite unnecessary. 

SALIVATION. 

We had occasion, in the first part of this book, 
to mention salivation as one of the signs of preg- 
nancy, at least in some women. Sometimes it 
continues during the greater part of gestation, and 
becomes one of the most troublesome and weaken- 
ing ailments, particularly if it is combined with 



SALIVATION. 



215 



nausea and vomiting, when the derangement it 
creates, in the health of the woman, becomes traly 
alarming. While the future mother thus some- 
times is brought to the verge of the grave, her 
expected offspring does not suffer in like manner, 
on the contrary, in most cases, appears to have 
done the better for it. This, by way of consolation 
to the sick woman, for whose comfort we cannot 
do much. Yet some of our medicines, even in 
this constitutional disorder, mitigate frequently to 
a great extent, the severity of the salivation. 
Mercury is one of the principal remedies, if saliva- 
tion was not caused by the abuse of mercurial 
preparation; also lobelia, lachesis, iodine, hepar, 
Pulsatilla, sulphur, nitric acid. Take each of 
the foregoing remedies on four consecutive even- 
ings once, (four glob, at a dose,) discontinue a few 
evenings, to await its results, and if not better, 
take the next remedy in the same manner. 

DERANGEMENT OF APPETITE. 

This may manifest itself in various ways. 

Sometimes a complete disgust for every kind of 

food occurs, while in other cases, the appetite is so 

excessive as to become really a symptom of a 

diseased state of the stomach ; again, in some 

cases it becomes capricious, desiring the strangest 

and most unusual articles for food, such as ; 

chalk, charcoal, etc. As it is almost impossible 
k6 I; 



216 DISEASES OF SEXUAL DEVELOPMENT. 

to correct this abnormal condition by the appli- 
cation of medicine, we must recommend to those 
suffering under it, to consult their own feelings as 
long as it is prudent and reasonable. Any excess 
must be detrimental. 

To remain without food for too long a time, 
merely because we have an aversion against it, 
would finally lead to an incurable state of exhaus- 
tion. One article, ice-cream, a patient of this 
kind certainly can bear, if nothing else will 
stay on the stomach ; she can at least sustain life 
with it. In some cases I have seen that Scotch 
herring, ale, champaigne, or other spicy articles, 
did overcome the sickly repugnance of the 
stomach. Anything is good wmich effects our 
purpose, and the patient must never tire to try, 
until she has found what will suit her case. Ar- 
senicum^ every other night a dose, (four glob.) will 
frequently restore appetite. 

Those who indulge in the eating of strange and 
unusual articles, ought to be reminded that though 
a little to satisfy their craving might not do them 
any harm, a great quantity continued to be taken 
for a long time, will have a deleterious effect. Dr. 
Dewees relates a fact of this kind, where a lady 
died from the effects of eating chalk in too large 
quantities. 

If the appetite becomes too excessive, the bad 
consequences for the system are not so trifling as 



NAUSEA AND VOMITING. 217 

persons might believe at first. The various symp- 
toms of repletion, congestions to the head, lungs, 
and bowels, can take place ; also head-ache, bleed- 
ing of the nose, lungs, etc., beside a disordered 
state of the digestive organs, not easily cured. In 
such cases, it is well to use food containing less 
nutriment in a greater bulk, such as rice, arrow- 
root, farina, etc., which is still very digestible. A 
little moral effort to restrain the excess of the 
appetite, is also very desirable, and ought to 
be practiced by reducing the quantity, not by 
abstaining from food entirely for some time. 
Calcarea carh., every three or four nights a dose, 
(four glob.) will frequently curb the appetite 
within its proper limits. 

NAUSEA AND VOMITING. 

These are perhaps the most frequent and an- 
noying ailments during pregnancy, and resist in 
most cases, the best directed efforts ; medication 
can very seldom entirely subdue them, though an 
amelioration may be effected. As the nausea 
generally is greatest when the patient rises in the 
morning, the disease has received the name 
"morning sickness" Its cause is as yet envel- 
oped in the general mystery which hangs over the 
secret proceedings of gestation, and its sympathy 
with other functions. An increased uterine sensi- 
bility, reflecting on the ganglion nervous system, 



218 DISEASES OF SEXUAL DEVELOPMENT. 



seems to be the excitor of a great many of these 
sufferings during pregnancy, and a proper, harder 
mode of life the best calculated to prevent them. 
However this hard, active life, in which manual 
labor forms the principal occupation, must not be 
commenced during pregnancy, but prior to it, in 
order to prepare the system for making the change 
within beforehand. This disease commonly ceases 
at the third or fourth month, very seldom con- 
tinuing through the whole term. The nausea is 
frequently succeeded by the vomiting of a frothy 
mucus, sometimes even of bile, after it has 
continued for some time quite violently. 

Various means have been tried to subdue this 
affection, but what in one case is successful, often 
fails in another. Generally we have found that 
riding in a carriage, even over a rough road, 
produces more comfort to the patient than any- 
thing else ; fresh air and a voyage certainly have 
relieved some of the most distressing and obstinate 
cases. Beside this, select from the following 
remedies, they will mitigate at least the severest 
suffering. 

We consider tabacum to be the principal 
remedy, particularly if, with nausea, there is 
fainting and a deadly paleness of the face, relieved 
by being in the open air ; the patient loses flesh 
very fast ; vomiting of water or acid liquid and 
mucus. 



DIARRHEA. 219 



Sepia, if the nausea has lasted a great while, 
and appears mostly in the morning ; in the even- 
ing there is a painful feeling of emptiness in the 
stomach, with burning and stinging in the pit. 

Veratrum, very suitable after tabacum, or 
with it in alternation, particularly when the nausea 
is combined with great thirst ; yet the patient 
vomits, after drinking ever so little, and has sour 
eructations, with great debility. If the latter 
symptom is present, arsenicum may be very bene- 
ficially administered alternately with veratrum. 

Cuprum, if cramps in the stomach or chest 
appear during the paroxysm of vomiting, in alter- 
nation with ipecac, if there is a tendency to 
diarrhea at the same time. 

Camphor, in small doses, will frequently re- 
lieve, when a cold perspiration covers the skin, 
with hot head and cold extremities. 

Sec ale after veratrum or cuprum, if pains in the 
uterus manifest themselves, similar to false labor 
pains threatening abortus. 

The above remedies may be given in solution, 
every half hour or hour, a teaspoonful, until the 
paroxysm is over ; afterwards only every four or 
six hours a dose, as circumstances require. 

DIARRHEA. 

This disease does not occur as often during 
pregnancy as constipation, but it is more injurious, 



220 DISEASES OF SEXUAL DEVELOPMENT. , 

because it weakens the system more, and needs, 
consequently immediate attention. 

There is one form of it which needs an especial 
description. Women of a scrofulous constitution 
frequently are very constipated during the whole 
period of pregnancy, until a few weeks before 
confinement, when all at once a diarrhea com- 
mences, which lasts from eight to ten days. 
During labor, and a few days after, they seem to 
be entirely free from it, but very soon afterwards 
are attacked again, at which time the discharges, 
assume a purulent character, disclosing at once 
the presence of a fearful disease, ulceration of the 
bowels. At the same time, the secretion of milk 
has not been diminished, on the contrary, is 
increasing in quantity, and its quality rendered 
richer, so that the child thrives well, while t the 
mother runs down, and if not relieved, will soon 
waste away under hectic fever. The mouth be- 
comes sore, very tender, easily to bleed ; at that 
stage it is called " nursing sore mouth." This 
disease needs our closest attention, The strictest 
rest in a horizontal position, the mildest nourish- 
ment, such as farina, etc. ; the exhibition of nux 
vom. and hepar, alternately in repeated doses, 
(every three hours,) generally relieves the patient 
in a few days, after which a few doses of nitric 
acid will be sufficient to finish the cure. 

Other forms of diarrhea require remedies simi- 



CONSTIPATION. 



221 



lar to those usually given, of which the reader 
will find the necessary information in my Domestic 
Physician, under the head of diarrhea. We men- 
tion here only the names of some of the most pro- 
minent. Antimon. crud., phosphorus, pulsatilla, 
mercury, sepia. 

CONSTIPATION. 

A sluggish condition of the bowels is a frequent 
concomitant of pregnancy, caused by a combina- 
tion of circumstances, occurring at that period. A 
diet regulated especially to counteract it, the 
eating of cooked, or ripe sweet fruit of different 
kinds, such as prunes, apples, etc., and the drink- 
ing freely of cold water, besides active exercise in 
the open air, will be mostly instrumental to 
remove this difficulty; If these means should not 
succeed, recourse should be had to the following 
medicines, for the use of which a more specific 
reference can be found in my Domestic Physician, 
in the article on constipation. One of the best 
means to overcome long-continued constipation, is 
the alternate use of nux vom., opium and platina, 
every three or four hours a dose, (six glob.) until an 
evacuation is effected ; if it should be too tardy or 
insufficient, an injection of cold water will aid the 
effect of the medicine. Bryonia and ignatia will 
frequently suffice to remove constipation, if the 
bowels feel painful, and hjcopodiwn or sulphur, if 



it has continued for a Ions time. 



222 DISEASES OF SEXUAL DEVELOPMENT. 

DYSPEPSIA, HEART-BURN, ACID STOMACH.. 

These complaints, though not confined to preg- 
nancy, nevertheless occur very frequently at that 
period, and particularly in those persons who 
were troubled with them previously. This fact is 
explained easily by the pressure which the en- 
larged uterus exerts on the stomach, especially in 
the latter months, thus interfering with digestion. 
IVux vom. and pulsalilla are the principal remedies 
to regulate these disorders ; the former, if they 
are attended with constipation, the latter, if with 
diarrhea. For an acid stomach, frequent but 
small quantities of lemonade, or a mixture of one 
drop of sulphuric acid in a tumbler of water, is 
highly recommended, and wilL, sooner and more 
lastingly, correct the acid in the stomach, than 
lime-water or magnesia, which at best only absorbs 
the acid present, not preventing thereby its new 
formation. 

DIFFICULTY OF SWALLOWING. 

This may occur in any female of a nervous 
disposition, and at any time, not constituting, 
therefore, an ailment peculiar to this period ; yet 
if it does appear during pregnancy, it becomes 
very annoying ; though not dangerous, it some- 
times requires our action. 

The principal remedies are belladonna, lachesis, 



SPASMS COLIC PAINS. 223 

and ignatia in alternation, every evening a dose, 
(six glob ) until better. 

SPASMODIC PAINS AND CRAMPS, 

In the Legs, Back and Stomach. {Colic Pains) 

Pains of this kind are generally of a neuralgic 
nature, and occur mostly during the first half of 
gestation, though cramps in the legs are witnessed 
during the whole term. Their treatment does not 
essentially vary from that followed when present 
at any other time. In using external auxiliaries, 
such as warming bottles, hot bricks, blisters, etc., 
we would warn the reader not to apply them too 
hot, on account of the peculiar state of the patient, 
and if possible to do without them altogether, or 
to substitute bandages dipped in warm water, or a 
warm hip bath. Subbing affords great relief, 
when the calves of the leg are cramped, or the 
pain in the back is very severe. The following 
medicines should be used, one at a time, dissolved 
in water, every half hour a tea-spoonful, until 
better ; if this is not the case within one or two 
hours, the next should be taken in the same 
manner. 

Cramps in the abdomen : colocynth., nux vom., 
chamomile, ignatia, pulsatilla, belladonna, lachesis, 
veratrum, cuprum. 

In the legs: veratrum, secale, cuprum, chamo- 
mile, sulphur. 



224 DISEASES OP SEXUAL DEVELOPMENT. 

Ill the hips: colocyntli., rhus, belladonna, china, 
ferrum. 

In the feet: calcarea carb., sulphur, graphites. 
In the back : ignat., rhus, kali carb., bryonia, bel- 
ladonna. 



Scanty and painful urination are of frequent 
occurrence during pregnancy, caused not merely 
by rheumatic and gouty disorders, external inju- 
ries, suppressed piles, etc., as is commonly the 
case, but also by the pressure of the extended 
uterus upon the neck of the bladder, which makes 
urination difficult and painful. If this pressure 
continues too long or becomes excessive, the dis- 
charge of urine may be prevented thereby entirely, 
so that a complete ischury or anury takes place, 
which will require the application of an instru- 
ment, called catheter. Before the evil, however, 
grows to that height, the patient can try different 
positions, particularly in reclining, in order to 
relieve the neck of the bladder from the mechanical 
pressure of the womb. 

If cold or rheumatism was the cause of the 
strangury, the patient will feel great relief from 
drinking freely of cold water, or slimy drinks, 
such as slippery elm, gum arabic, etc, which 
dilute the urine, rendering it less irritating to the 
bladder, and urethra. Besides, the following 



JAUNDICE. 225 



remedies should be taken in their order, every two 
or three hours a dose, (six glob.) until better. 

For strangury ; nux vomica, pulsatilla, cocculus, 
cantharides. 

For ischury: aconite, belladonna, cantharides, 
hyoscyamus, opium, lachesis. 

INCONTINENCE OF URINE. 

A partial or total inability to retain the urine, 
is one of the most annoying complaints during 
pregnancy. Short and frequent hip baths, and 
cold water bandages are of the greatest benefit ; 
besides the following remedies should be used in 
their order, every other day a dose, (six glob.) 
until better. Belladonna, causticum, hyoscyamus^ 
conium, arsenicum, lachesis. Also have reference 
to what is said on page 379 of my Homoeopathic 
Domestic Physician, on this subject. 

jaundice. {Icterus.) 

This disease, well known by the yellow color 
it imparts to all the white parts of the body, is not 
dangerous of itself, but becomes only so by ne- 
glect, when other serious disorders, hectic fever, 
dropsy, etc., may follow. In our diagnosis of 
jaundice we must not depend on the darker 
appearance of the skin alone; this assumes fre- 
quently a darkish, almost yellow color during 
pregnancy, without jaundice being present at all. 



226 DISEASES OF SEXUAL DEVELOPMENT. ~ 

The distinguishing features, which always indicate 
it, are constipation with whitish, almost colorless 
feces, urine of an orange color, and a dry skin, with 
slight remitting or intermitting fever. We men- 
tion this disease here, because during pregnancy, 
particularly towards its close, it sometimes occurs, 
caused partly by mechanical pressure of the highly 
extended uterus upon the biliary ducts, partly by 
the symyathetic influence, which gestation evi- 
dently shows even from its beginning on all the 
digestive organs, especially the liver. It is stated 
that jaundice more frequently occurs in winter 
than in summer, and oftener in blondes- with a 
lymphatic, than in brunettes with a sanguine tem- 
perament. 

Its cure consists in re-establishing, by degrees, 
the healthy action of the skin by means of an 
even, warm temperature in a room, or still better 
in the bed ; frequent tepid sitting-baths, wet ban- 
dages around the stomach, and the sweating in 
the wet sheet are powerful auxiliaries in the treat- 
ment of this disease ; constipation is relieved by 
cold injections. 

Besides, the following remedies should be given ; 
three times a day a dose (four glob.) of the remedy 
selected, for a few days until better. Mercury 
and hepar in alternation ; lachesis and sulphur 
alternately ; and if caused by a fit of passion 
chamomile and mix vom. in alternation. 



PAIN IN THE RIGHT SIDE. 



99' 



PAIN IN THE BIGHT SIDE, 

This pain, caused by a fullness or congestion in 
the liver, sometimes makes its appearance from 
the fifth to the eighth month, and is also the result 
of pressure and sympathy occasioned by the ex- 
tended uterus on that organ. It mostly manifests 
itself as a deep-seated pain or aching, slightly 
increased by taking a long breath, and generally 
worse by laying on the right side, showing that the 
convex or upper part of the liver, next to the dia- 
phram is the principal seat of the congestion. The 
patient also feels at certain times a marked sensa- 
tion of heat ? and of a dull, heavy weight in the 
part mostly affected. To be bled for this affection 
is not alone not beneficial, but really injurious, 
and is entirely discarded even by the old practi- 
tioners. The wet cold bandage, often renewed, 
gives more relief; besides a sufficiency of exercise, 
neither too much nor too little. The following 
medicines, however, will be beneficial to mitigate 
the suffering by dispelling the congestion. 

Aconite and mercury in alternation every three 
hours a dose, (four glob.,) if the pain and heat are 
intense. 

Chamomile in same manner, if the pains are of a 
dull, pressive character, with paroxysms of anguish. 

Pulsatilla^ if the pains appear like spasms and 
towards evening. 



228 DISEASES OF SEXUAL DEVELOPMENT. 
ASTHMA. CONGESTION OF THE LUNGS. 

Mechanical as well as sympathetic causes pro- 
duce, particularly in the latter months, congestions 
of the lungs, which affect the functions of the 
lungs and the heart. This occurs, however, more 
in such women who formerly have been troubled 
with similar complaints. Difficulty of breathing, 
asthma, palpitation of the heart, and sometimes a 
hacking cough with spitting of blood, are the im- 
mediate consequences of these congestions. 

A great deal of care is needed on the part of the 
patient as regards diet and mode of living ; what 
she eats must be of easy digestion, not much at a 
time, nor of a heating nature ; she must avoid 
exposure to cold and dampness ; attend carefully 
to the secretions of the skin, for which purpose 
she must dress warmer than common. If she is 
inclined to constipation, she should take frequent 
cold injections. Besides, give her the following 
remedies in their order, every three hours a dose 
(four glob.) until better. 

Asthma. — Ipecac, bryonia, belladonna, Pulsa- 
tilla, arsenicum, veratrum. 

Palpitation of the Heart. — Aconite, bella- 
donna, pulsatilla, arsenicum, opium, veratrum. 

Spitting of Blood. — Aconite, ipecac, opium, 
arsenicum, pulsatilla, arnica. 

Pleurisy. — Aconite, bryonia, pulsatilla, arnica. 



VERTIGO. 229 



Hacking Cough. — Ipecac, ignatia, nux vom., 
capsicum, mercury, pulsatilla. 

VERTIGO. CONGESTION OF THE HEAD. 

Headache, fainting and vertigo are frequent 
and sometimes very distressing ailments during 
pregnancy. They are caused by the plethora and 
nervous irritability, which often accompany the 
functional processes during gestation ; if they re- 
peat too frequently and violently, they may even 
become dangerous. To prevent their recurrence, 
the patient must avoid all mental or physical 
excitement, follow the strictest hygienic rules in 
diet and exercise, and keep the bowels in a good 
state, either by eating relaxing articles, or using 
injections. If the feet are cold, while the head is 
hot, a cold foot bath every evening, with severe 
rubbing after it, is necessary; also a tepid sitz-bath 
in the morning, with rubbing after it. Almost the 
severest headache can be mitigated instantaneously 
by a hot hip-bath. Fainting is generally relieved 
by loosening the clothes around the waist, a draft 
of fresh air, and sprinkling the face with cold 
water. 

Besides the above rules, the patient should take 
of the following remedies, every two or four hours 
a dose, (four glob.,) in their order, until better. 

Vertigo. — Aconite, belladonna, laches? s, opium, 
bryonia, nux vom., mercury, sulphur. 



230 DISEASES OF SEXUAL DEVELOPMENT. 

Headache. — Ipecac, belladonna, opium ? bryo- 
nia, rhus tox., ignatia, pulsatilla, sepia. 

Fainting. — Ignatia, chamomile, cqffea, nux 
vom., pulsatilla, china. 

Sleeplessness. — Cqffea, belladonna, ignatia, nux 
vom., aconite. 

Depression of Spirits. — See Hysteria. Com- 
pare Homoeopathic Domestic Physician, under 
the same headings. 

NEURALGIC PAINS. 

From the fact that the nervous system plays 
an important part in everything connected with 
gestation, it is evident that we can expect neural- 
gic disorders in the organical and functional 
sphere during that period. This manifests itself 
particularly in organs below the diaphragm, where 
the uterus exerts its greatest influence. Neural- 
gic pains in the abdomen are very frequent ; they 
appear under the short ribs, near the hips, or in 
the region of the bladder; it is generally a dull, 
heavy ache or burning, stinging in the muscles of 
the abdomen, remitting or intermitting as regards 
intensity. If the pains are felt within the abdo- 
men, they resemble colic pains. Sometimes the 
neural gy extends to the muscles of the small of 
the back, of the lower limbs, of the neck, arms 
and head ; and if it affects the diaphragm or the 
pit of the stomach, the patient is taken with fits 



NEURALGIC PAINS. 231 

of laughing or crying, with spasmodic eructations 
of wind, sneezing, yawning, stretching and sigh- 
ing. All these different complaints proceed from 
the same cause, viz : excessive nervous sensibility. 

If the extension of the uterus is very considera- 
ble, inclining too much in front, a circumstance 
which frequently causes distress, much may be 
done by applying a bandage around the abdomen 
for support. Besides, the patient should wash 
frequently in cold water, and rub diligently the 
parts affected with cold water, in order to 
strengthen them. For the different complaints 
under the above head, take the following medi- 
cines in their order, every two or three hours, a 
dose (four glob.) until better. 

Neuralgic Pains. — Coffea, belladonna, Pulsa- 
tilla, chamomile, bryonia, rhus tox., arsen., vera- 
trum, sulphur. 

Spasmodic Laughter . — Belladonna, hyoscyam., 
phosphorus, stramonium. 

Spasmodic Crying — Sobbing. — Pulsatilla, 
aurum, ignatia, platina. 

Spasmodic Sneezing — Aconite, rhus tox.,silicea. 

Spasmodic Yawning. — Ignatia, rhus, platina, 
natrum mur., sulphur. 

As neuralgia is frequently the result of indiges- 
tion, persons subject to it, should be particularly 
careful in their diet, avoiding substances of a 

heating nature, spices, coffee, tea, etc. 
l2 



232 DISEASES OF SEXUAL DEVELOPMENT. 

PUERPERAL CONVULSIONS. 

{Eclampsia gravidarum.) 

This is perhaps the most dangerous disease to 
which pregnancy predisposes, and on this account 
its treatment should never be undertaken save by 
a skillful physician. We have introduced it here 
solely on the ground to make the reader acquainted 
with the symptoms, particularly in the beginning 
of the convulsions, where a prompt and energetic 
action sometimes will arrest their progress. 

Dr. Meigs speaks as follows about this disease : 
" It is a malady that is not met with every day — but 
it is one so horrible in its appearance, so deadly in 
its tendency, so embarrassing sometimes in its 
treatment, that, although it is not met with every 
day, it is solicitously expected, and probably obvi- 
ated in many a case, which, but for such careful 
supervision, would swell its proportions in the 
statistical tables." We call these convulsions 
puerperal, because they can only affect in such a 
manner women advanced in pregnancy, during 
labor, or in the first days of the lying-in. 

The convulsion is sometimes preceded by 
symptoms which more or less prognosticate its 
appearance, though sometimes it may occur with- 
out the slightest premonitory symptom, like a 
flash of lightning, the literal meaning of the word 
eclampsia. Dr. Meigs considers the following to 



PUERPERAL CONVULSIONS. 233 

be the most important premonitory signs : " Wo- 
men with short necks ; those who are fat ; those 
who possess considerable muscular strength ; those 
whose tissues are firm, solid, hard and unyielding ; 
those that are of a sanguine-nervous temperament ; 
those who have swollen feet and hands, and such 
as upon waking in the morning complain of numb- 
ness in the hands and bloating of the features, 
those who are affected with a feeling of great 
weakness or with loss of sensation in one side of 
the face, or in one of the members ; those who 
have suddenly lost their hearing ; those who have 
vertigo, headache, flashing of light within the eyes, 
dimness of sight, double vision or half sight; 
those who have sudden loud noises in the ears, 
and such as feel as if a violent blow had been re- 
ceived upon the head ; those, furthermore, who 
labor under intense anaemia, with distension of 
the blood-vessels and heart," and we might add, 
those who constitutionally cannot bear the slight- 
est degree of pain without a severe shock to the 
nervous system — "all such are to be held liable, 
and closely observed and protected." 

Puerperal convulsions are similar in appear- 
ance to other convulsions ; spasms of the muscles 
in every part of the system, foaming at the mouth, 
spasmodic breathing, and above all, unconscious- 
ness. There are two kinds, the nervous and 

sanguineous, as they are called ; in the former the 
l3 



234 DISEASES OF SEXUAL DEVELOPMENT. 

face remains pale until towards the last, when it 
assumes a bluish color; in the latter, the face 
appears from the first very much bloated and 
swollen, dark red ; this kind bears bleeding from 
the arm or foot in the commencement, while in 
the former it would not be advisable to bleed. In 
both it is advisable to use mustard drafts on the 
calves of the leg allowing them to draw for at 
least half an hour ; to put cold water or ice on the 
head and have the bowels moved by one or more 
injections of salt and water; at the same time the 
exhibition of remedies must not be neglected. 

Opium in repeated doses of a lower potency, if 
the face is dark, red and bloated, the breathing very 
loud and snoring, the patient entirely unconscious. 

Bellad. and hyoscy., if the face is less congested, 
and there is a higher degree of unconsciousness. 

Stramonium in alternation with belladonna, 
where the face changes from paleness to redness 
and vice versa, the eyes appear squinting and from 
time to time the patient laughs spasmodically. 

Chamomile, ignatia, lachesis are also recom- 
mended. 

miscarriage. {Abortion.) 

Miscarriage can take place at any time between 
the first and seventh month. If the expulsion of 
the child occurs after the seventh and before 
the ninth month, it is called a premature birth, as 
at this period the child generally can be saved and 



MISCARRIAGE. 



the object cf pregnancy be gained. The more 
advanced pregnancy is, the less is the danger which 
may result from a miscarriage. The oftener a 
woman has miscarried, the more her constitution 
inclines to new misfortunes of the same kind in 
future pregnancies. Miscarriages are more liable 
to occur again at the same period during gestation 
at which the former or last one happened ; if that 
period is passed without accident, the danger to 
miscarry diminishes. Miscarriage, therefore, can 
become habitual in some females ; it also can ap- 
pear epidemically, as it were, in so far at least, 
as in certain seasons the uterine congestion in 
general increases, (menses appear more frequently 
and profusely, hemorrhages ensue spontaneously, 
etc.,) and in the same ratio the possibility and 
occurrence of abortion multiplies. 

If a woman approaches the time when hereto- 
fore she had the misfortune to miscarry, she must 
be careful not to provoke a return by walking great 
distances, lifting, running up and down stairs, 
riding over a rough road, etc. These practices 
may excite at any time a miscarriage in females 
who never have had any predisposition to it, how 
much greater is the danger in those already pre- 
disposed. A weakening, luxurious mode of liv- 
ing, late hours, great mental excitement are causes 
of miscarriage, and must be strictly avoided. In 

fact any important irregularity in diet or mode of 

l4 



236 DISEASES OF SEXUAL DEVELOPMENT. 

living, may produce abortion;' its causes are 
numerous and frequently even form part of a 
woman's every day habit. For instance, tight 
lacing, dancing at evening parties and the excite- 
ment so studiously sought in our modern society. 
All these artificial means of producing life's fleet- 
ing pleasures should be disregarded by one who 
soon will feel the more lasting joys of a mother; 
for the sake of reaching that exalted happiness, 
she should cheerfully forego for a short time, the 
fashionable and doubtful amusements of so-called 
fashionable society. 

Yet there are some characters so destitute of all 
maternal feelings and so infatuated with the ease 
and luxury of high life, that they are sadly 
agrieved as soon as they know they are enciente. 
They know what is before them ; they will have 
to deny themselves in many things ; wealth, of 
which they have so much, is unable to buy a re- 
lease from nature in that respect. Knowing that 
they cannot escape the natural destiny of woman, 
they frequently conceive the unnatural thought to 
deprive nature of its legitimate right by producing 
abortion artificially, either in exposing themselves 
to violent exercise or by taking certain drugs, 
which, as they have been informed, will excite an 
early miscarriage. It cannot be denied that a low 
state of morals like this, does exist, even in the 
highest circles of society, where wealth is abun- 



MISCARRIAGE. 237 

dant to sustain the gifts of nature, and such 
barbarous conduct cannot be excused by ignorance 
or poverty. But seldom, we may say never, can 
they accomplish their criminal purposes without 
endangering, in the highest degree, their own 
lives and health. ]STo medicine which is powerful 
enough to produce abortion, can do so without 
first poisoning the whole system by passing 
through the stomach and the blood vessels of the 
abdomen to the uterus ; it will sooner destroy the 
life of these organs, than affect the purpose in view. 
If such desire is already criminal, its execution 
must be doubly so, because it adds the attempt at 
suicide to that of destroying the life of an unborn 
infant. It is not so easy to sever the bonds exist- 
ing between mother and child, if both are well 
and the former has no peculiar predisposition for 
miscarriage. It is this latter only which allows 
the most trifling accident sometimes to produce an 
abortion, while in females who have no such sus- 
ceptibility, the severest misfortunes leave the 
infant in the uterus untouched and unhurt. 

The premonitory symptoms of a miscarriage 
are chilliness, followed by fever and bearing down 
sensation, which afterward increase to labor-pains ; 
cutting, drawing, mostly in the loins and abdomen. 
A discharge of bright-red blood either immediately 
issues from the vagina or coagulated dark blood ap- 
pears from time to time. Frequent repetitions of 
l5 



238 DISEASES OF SEXUAL DEVELOPMENT. 



these efforts of nature are usually necessary to expel 
the foetus, varying in duration from two hours to 
two days. As soon as the above symptoms appear, 
even in a slighter degree, the patient must lie down, 
keeping perfectly quiet, without moving. She 
should be placed upon a mattress or anything harder 
and cooler than a feather bed. The room should 
have plenty of fresh air ; doors and windows should 
be open for that purpose. Her drink must be cool 
toast water, lemonade, ice water, etc., and in giving 
it to her, care must be taken that the patient does 
not exert herself in receiving it ; her position on 
the couch or bed should be strictly horizontal ; it 
is rather better if her feet are slightly elevated. 
No stimulating food or drink is allowed except 
when complete exhaustion from loss of blood 
supervenes, at which time small quantities of 
wine may be given, (see Flooding.) The covering 
of the patient must be thin but sufficient. Great 
care should be taken to prevent officiousness on 
the part of nurses and friends, who by conversa- 
tion and over-kindness, disturb the rest of the 
patient. Under no circumstances dare a conduct 
like this be tolerated ; complete rest being neces- 
sary for the patient, we must procure it for her, 
even at the risk of giving offence to those who 
fancy to have the right of showing kindness to the 
sufferer by doing her positive harm. 

If the attack is brought on by mechanical 



MISCARRIAGE. 239 



injury, a fall, blow, mis-step, walking, lifting, 
etc., take arnica (twelve glob.) dissolved in half 
a teacupM of water, every fifteen or twenty 
minutes a teaspoonful until better, or until after 
the lapse of one hour another remedy becomes 
necessary. 

Secale should be given next in the same manner 
as arnica, particularly in females who have previ- 
ously miscarried ; in older ones, or in those who 
have a weak and exhausted constitution, especially 
when the discharge consists of dark, liquid blood, 
and the pains are but slight. 

China in alternation with secale when the loss 
of blood is considerable, and weaknes and exhaus- 
tion evidently increases ; when buzzing in the ears, 
cloudiness of sight and loss of consciousness ensue 
and the patient faints when raising from the pillow. 

Hyoscyamus if spasms or convulsions appear, 
with loss of consciousness and discharge of light 
red blood. 

Crocus if dark, clotted blood is discharged, 
increased by the least exertion, with a sensation 
of fluttering or motion around the navel. 

Ipecac, alternating with secale, if with flooding 
there is nausea, fainting, cramping. 

Belladonna and platina in alternation either at 
once or after ipecac, has failed to relieve, particu- 
larly when the pains are in the loins and bowels, 

severe bearing down, as if the intestines would be 
l6 



240 DISEASES OF SEXUAL DEVELOPMENT. 

forced out; sensation in the back as if it were 
broken ; face very pale or flushed ; discharge of 
dark, thick, clotted blood. 

After the fcetus has been expelled, the bleeding 
generally stops, and no further treatment is neces- 
sary, but the one commonly followed in a regular 
birth. The patient needs the same length of time 
to recover, and the same careful watching as during 
the lying-in. Indeed, it is advisable to keep in 
bed longer than common, in order to give the 
uterus a better chance to recover from the shock, 
and become stronger, also to avoid those diseases 
caused by weakness of the pelvic organs, such as 
prolapsus uteri, fluor albus, etc., which so often 
follow a miscarriage or regular birth if badly 
treated. Miscarriage must not be considered as a 
slight disorder ; its consequences upon the system 
are sometimes fearful. As an interruption of the 
natural order, we can easily imagine that its effects 
upon the system must be more distressing than a 
regular birth, which is but a fulfillment of a natural 
development. 

3. PARTURITION. 

We have already, in the first part of this book, 
treated of delivery as a strictly physiological pro- 
cess, not requiring any more interference than is 
necessary for the sake of comfort and cleanliness. 
There are, however, many circumstances con- 
nected with this process, which formerly were 



PARTURITION. 241 



considered and treated so differently from what 
they are at the present day, that it is very desira- 
ble to make the reader acquainted with the most 
approved methods and practices now in vogue 
during and after parturition. What we intend to 
say on this subject is not merely a recital of 
opinion, but has been found practically efficacious 
by us in hundreds of cases. Within the last thirty 
years the views on the treatment of women in 
labor and childbed have changed materially, and 
we are happy to say decidedly for the better. 
Before that time it was considered dangerous to 
allow fresh air or cold water to a woman in labor 
or after delivery, lest she contract diseases of all 
kinds. Now both are considered indispensable 
preventives and valuable remedial auxiliaries in 
the cure of those same diseases. Notwithstanding 
the slow progress which medical reform has 
made in certain classes of physicians, it is not to 
be doubted that in obstetrics even the most viru- 
lent opposers of reform in medicine have generally 
yielded with a praiseworthy zeal. Scarcely a 
physician of any denomination will be found, at 
present, advocating the old practices, whereby the 
natural process in labor or childbed is so much 
and so often interfered with, that disease and death 
may be the result. 

If a diarrhea precede the commencement of 
labor, as it sometimes does within the last few 



242 DISEASES OF SEXUAL DEVELOPMENT. 

days of pregnancy, it is best not to interfere with 
it, as its effect will be rather beneficial than other- 
wise. It is usually caused by a nervous agitation, 
fear, etc., which frequently is relieved by looseness 
of the bowels. At the same time other nervous 
symptoms may manifest themselves, such as de- 
pression of spirits, a whining mood, a disposition 
to shed tears, fear of not surviving the labor and 
birth of the child, etc. Aconite and opium will 
be sufficient to quiet the nervous system ; let the 
patient take, evening and morning, alternately a 
dose, (six glob.,) until better. 

The real labor is near at hand, as soon as a 
slight discharge of mucus tinged with blood ap- 
pears — the so-called " show" — which is a favorable 
sign at the beginning of labor. 

The less we interfere with the action of nature 
during parturition, the easier will be its termina- 
tion ; the closer we follow the general laws of 
health during pregnancy, labor and childbed, the 
less sickness will attend women and infants. 
During labor our duty should be, in a great mea- 
sure, directed to the arrangement of the outward 
circumstances, which exert such a great influence 
on its progress. For this purpose the bed of the 
patient should be placed so, that it allows of free 
access on all sides ; it should consist, if possible, 
of a mattress, which is preferable to feathers. The 
room should be well ventilated, and provision 



LABOR. 243 



made to have plenty of fresh air, when needed. 
The patient should have as much cold water as 
she desired ; a denial in this respect would act 
very injuriously. We will now consider the dif- 
ferent stages of parturition, their normal or abnor- 
mal condition, and treatment. 

LABOR. 

Labor is the term by which we express the 
process of nature to expel the contents of the 
womb. Labor-pains, or contractions of the womb, 
are the natural means to accomplish this object ; 
they are consequently indispensable to the object 
in view, and a woman in labor should never con- 
sider her pains, although disagreeable, in any 
other than this light, else she might fret and whine 
herself sick without use, and thus deprive the 
most salutary provision in her condition of a part 
of its great benefit. Every expulsive effort of 
nature is connected with a certain degree of pain- 
ful exertion, mingled with a feeling of ease and 
repose, which takes away, in a great measure, 
the severity of real pain. An analogous sensation 
may be experienced by the muscular contractions 
of the rectum and colon, which occur in intervals, 
thus permitting a grateful feeling of repose to 
intervene. 

Labor may be divided into natural or preter- 
natural, according to its own or the character of 



244 DISEASES OF SEXUAL DEVELOPMENT. 

attending circumstances. If the labor is just suf- 
ficiently strong to expel the contents of the womb 
within a moderate time, without manual inter- 
ference, and without danger either to the mother 
or child, we call it natural labor. On the con- 
trary, if it is protracted, difficult, too painful or 
inefficient on account of its own weakness, or the 
presentation of parts which hinder its efficacy ; if 
it is attended with other serious disorders, such 
as convulsions, hemorrhages, lacerations of the 
uterus or other contiguous parts, we call it 
preternatural labor. 

Labor consists in the frequently repeated con- 
tractions of the uterus, aided by those of the sur- 
rounding muscles, by which expulsatory efforts 
the mouth of the womb gradually enlarges, the 
vagina widens and thus the child is forced through 
the extended passage. 

From the above it is evident, that if no me- 
chanical impediment either from the structure of 
the pelvis or the position or size of the child 
interferes, the labor will be sufficient in almost all 
cases to accomplish the object of nature without 
real danger. The time in which natural labor 
usually terminates varies ; may be put down, how- 
ever, from six to eight hours as the average 
duration. 

The labor at the birth of a first child often lasts 
longer, but is on that account not more dangerous. 



LABOR. 245 



TOO SUDDEN TERMINATION OF LABOR. 

Labor too quickly terminated, say in half an 
hour or less, is considered unfavorable for both the 
health of the mother and child. As regards the 
former, the chances for a sufficient and healthful 
contraction of the womb, so essential to avert 
danger of hemorrhage and after-diseases, are dimin- 
ished by a labor too quickly terminated. To pre- 
vent the bad consequences in this respect the 
woman should confine herself to a horizontal posi- 
tion for a longer time than usual, and apply fre- 
quent cool sponging-baths, in order to strengthen 
the parts, weakened by the too sudden termination 
of the birth* The danger for the child consists in 
the mechanical injuries it may receive by falling 
on the floor, etc., if the labor should terminate so 
fast as not to allow the woman time of reaching a 
bed or couch. Cases of this kind have occurred ; 
though very rare they may occur again. A 
woman having experienced too sudden labor, 
should the next time, towards the end of preg- 
nancy, avoid exercising severely, and going up 
and down stairs ; she should not omit to lie down 
frequently for a few hours and wash her stomach, 
back and hips once or twice a day in cold water. 

By this process the muscular fibres of these 
parts near the uterine region are strengthened so 
as to offer a greater resistance during parturition. 



246 DISEASES OF SEXUAL DEVELOPMENT. 

PROTRACTED LABOR. 

If tlie pains continue too long, say from twenty- 
four to thirty-six hours, labor becomes preternatu- 
ral, and needs an especial treatment. We have to 
consider the causes which may produce this unu- 
sual delay. They are various, and most of them 
of such a nature as only an experienced midwife 
or physician is competent to remove. We will 
speak here of such as safely can come within reach 
of domestic help, being caused mostly by a mis- 
management of labor in its early stages, or by a 
constitutional peculiarity of the patient, which 
can be remedied. 

It is not unusual, however, that women in their 
first confinement experience a more than com- 
monly protracted labor ; this need not give rise 
to fear of danger, especially not if the woman is 
otherwise strong and healthy, as such ones more 
than the weakly, nervous women offer the greatest 
resistance to the expulsive efforts of labor. 

If the woman has been urged to support the 
pains by exertions of her own at the very begin- 
ning of labor, thus exhausting her strength at a 
time when such efforts can be of no avail, it will 
frequently be found that towards the middle or 
close of the labor, when she ought to support it, 
she flags in strength, and from sheer exhaustion 
is unable to bear down or facilitate the expul- 



LABOR. 247 



sion of the child. In such cases, labor becomes 
protracted, and the only means of correcting it, 
consists in making the patient omit for some time 
her efforts until she has gained more strength; 
during this rest broth or wine in small quantities 
should be given to her. 

If great restlessness has produced a high degree 
of nervous excitement, impeding often the pro- 
gress of labor, the exhibition of coffea and aconite 
is indicated, in intervals of ten or fifteen minutes, 
a dose (four glob.;) belladonna should be given, 
if the head is hot and the feet are cold ; and nux 
vom., if the restlessness is connected with expres- 
sions of impatience. At the same time she should 
be exhorted to lie more quiet, and be covered well, 
in order to excite perspiration on the skin, when 
the latter is dry and husky. 

If during the early part of labor, warm drinks 
(green, or chamomile, tea) had been freely given, 
by the use of which relaxation of the system and 
protracted labor had been produced, it is neces- 
sary to change, giving the patient cold water 
when thirsty, besides coffea and china, antidotes 
to green tea ; ignatia and pulsatilla, antidotes to 
chamomile tea. 

SUDDEN CESSATION OF LABOK-PAINS. 

If they cease at once, either from fright or 
some other emotion, and the patient exhibits 



248 DISEASES OF SEXUAL DEVELOPMENT. 

symptoms of congestion of the head, with red and 
bloated face, sopor, loud breathing, like snoring, 
opium, every ten minutes a dose (four globules,) 
should be administered. If upon the cessation of 
labor-pains, spasmodic distress in different parts 
of the body appears, pulsatilla should be given in 
the same manner. 

If they cease in women naturally feeble and 
exhausted, secale is the best remedy to revive both 
the strength of the patient and the pains. It must 
be given in the same manner. 

If protracted labor is caused by mechanical im- 
pediments, too narrow pelvic passage, abnormal 
position or unusual size of the child, manual 
assistance is necessary, which can be rendered 
only by competent persons. Convulsions occur- 
ring during labor very seldom retard its pro- 
gress ; they should, however, be treated forthwith, 
as stated on page 232. 

SPUMOUS OK FALSE LABOR- PAINS. 

We call such pains spurious or false, as do not 
exert an expelling power on the uterus, although 
resembling in other respects the true labor-pains, 
The difference between them is so great, that the 
patient herself cannot mistake it. The true labor- 
pains begin either in the lower part of the abdo- 
men, in the region of the bladder, thence passing 
backward toward the spine, or they start in the 



LABOR. 249 



back and shoot thence around to the front. An- 
other still more certain sign of true pains is the 
cessation of all pain between two attacks, while 
false labor-pains never cease entirely. 

Spurious pains, being caused by nervous or 
rheumatic disorders, can appear in any part of the 
system, but very seldom stay long in one place ; 
they may be in the back, loins or front, wan- 
dering from one place to the other like rheu- 
matism or neuralgy. They are soon dispelled by 
Pulsatilla, every fifteen minutes a dose (six glob.,) 
the patient keeping as quiet as possible and well 
covered, to get warm and perspiring. Sometimes 
chamomile is necessary, if the patient does not 
perspire much. 

Nux vom. is the most suitable remedy, when 
there is a pain as if from a bruise in the region 
of the bladder, or a constant but inefficient urging 
to stool ; also when the woman is of an impatient, 
passionate temperament, having been inclined to 
the use of stimulants, wine, coffee, etc. 

Bryonia, when the pains mostly lodge in the 
small of the back, and increase by motion, with 
irritability of temper, constipation, and congestion 
of the head ; in the latter case alternately with 
aconite, particularly in women of a plethoric con- 
stitution, with a full, bounding pulse, flushed face, 
hot and dry skin. 

Belladonna, alternately with aconite, particu- 



250 DISEASES OF SEXUAL DEVELOPMENT. 

larly when the head is hot and the feet are cold ; 
the pains resemble spasms. 

Ignatia, when the pains are connected with 
great depression of spirits, and require frequent 
change of position, which mitigates their severity. 

EXCESSIVELY PAINFUL LABOR. 

The true labor-pains sometimes may become 
too violent, and following each other in quick 
succession, cause such great agitation and rest- 
lessness, as to render their mitigation necessary. 
This can be effected by the use of the following 
remedies. 

Coffea and aconite alternately every ten minutes 
a dose (four glob.) until better, or the next remedy 
is indicated. 

Chamomile, if the mind is greatly excited, the 
pains are intolerable; the woman very sensitive 
and impatient. 

Belladonna, under the same symptoms, parti- 
cularly when, with heat in the head, the feet are 
cold, is very beneficial in cases of first labor, 
where the unyielding state of the parts produces 
these extra exertions of nature. 

JVux vom., in cases similar to chamomile, but 
with a constant, ineffectual urging to stool. 

Towards the close of labor, the sulphuric ether 
may be applied to mitigate the severity of the 
pains ; do not let a candle be near the ether, 



THE WATERS. 251 



the waters. (ChilcTs Water.) 
At every birth & certain quantity of water is 
discharged during labor and after the child is born. 
This is the fluid which during pregnancy sur- 
rounds the child and is contained within the 
membranes, where it evidently has been placed by 
a wonderful provision of nature for the protection 
of the child as well as the mother. For the latter 
it is of the utmost service during labor, as it fur- 
nishes the best means of dilating the mouth of the 
womb in the beaunnino; of parturition. When the 

o ox 

mouth of the womb opens, the membranes are 
forced into the opening at every pain, forming a 
bag filled with the water, pressing on all points, 
evenly and gradually like an elastic wedge, pos- 
sessing the mildest and surest power. As soon as 
the opening thus made* is large enough for the 
child's head to enter, the rupture of the membranes 
usually takes place, wdiich causes so much of the 
water to escape as is contained in the bag, serving 
to lubricate the lower parts which now shall un- 
dergo the great distension. Much of the water, 
however, is still retained in the womb, which, 
during succeeding labor serves the same purpose, 
softening and lubricating the parts, and rendering 
the descending head moist and slippery. 

Thus is this wonderful process, the birth of a 
child, facilitated immeasurably by the simple but 



252 DISEASES OF SEXUAL DEVELOPMENT. 

effective agency of this limpid fluid. The immense 
benefit derived from the waters for this purpose, 
becomes sadly apparent when we have to witness 
labor which is deprived of its aid. 

Sometimes the waters break too early and then 
they escape entirely, causing what is called a " dry 
birth." In such a case labor will always be very 
protracted and painful. To mitigate its severity, 
we have to supply what by accident or misfortune 
has been lost. We either inject sweet oil or thin, 
sweet goose-oil in the vagina, or apply it there 
from time to time on the points of the fingers. 

This circumstance also teaches us the great 
lesson, never to break the waters too soon by arti- 
ficial means. If it becomes necessary, we should 
wait until the opening of the os uteri is sufficiently 
enlarged to allow the head to enter when the water 
has escaped from the bag. 

As the membranes around the child are com- 
posed of a double lining, it often occurs that 
between them a quantity of water accumulates, 
which is in no connection with the true waters 
contained within the inner membrane next to the 
child. This so-called false water frequently es- 
capes long before the termination of gestation, in 
fact it can do so at any time, in which case it seldom 
fails to frighten the woman, exciting in her the 
apprehension of abortion or premature birth. The 
above explanation of this circumstance should dis- 



DELIVERY. 253 



pel her fears, especially if she recollects that such 
a discharge of false water never is accompanied 
with labor-pains. 

The quantity of the waters varies ; it is some- 
times very great, causing even suspicion of dropsy 
or the presence of twins. 

DELIVERY. 

The most agonizing so-called "cutting pains," 
occur just before delivery ; they are of short dura- 
tion, however, and of such a nature that, although 
extremely painful, they do not weaken, but, on the 
contrary, strengthen the patient, by arousing her 
energy to the utmost. At that time we frequently 
hear her cry out on the top of the voice, Oh, I 
must die ! I must die ! These words must not 
frighten those in attendance. It is true they are 
expressions of agony, but they do not indicate 
danger ; they are rather of good import, signifying 
the effective progress of the birth. Kind, consol- 
ing words, stating that now the labor soon would 
terminate, etc., are the best remedy at this juncture 
of the case. 

Just when the child is appearing, the attendant 
should support the region underneath its head to 
prevent a tearing of the tightly drawn skin at that 
point ; this can be done with the open palm of the 
hand, pressed yieldingly underneath the head 
where it bulges out the most. 



254 DISEASES OF SEXUAL DEVELOPMENT. 

After delivery, but while the after-birth is still 
remaining within the womb, it is our duty to 
examine the uterine region outside, to make our- 
selves sure of the sufficient contraction of the 
womb, which, if rightly contracted, can at that 
time be felt hard as a stone, above the bladder, 
about the size of an infant's head. If not con- 
tracted, this lump cannot be felt, in which case we 
must either suspect another child within the womb 
or have to fear that by an internal hemorrhage, 
the womb has expanded again. In the former 
case the abdomen will feel quite large, and parts of 
the child yet unborn, are distinguishable through 
the walls of the abdomen, while in the latter, the 
womb will not extend as much but feel more 
yielding and soft. This last circumstance requires 
immediate, gentle, but firm and gradually increas- 
ing pressure with, and rubbing of the hand, which 
must be continued until the womb contracts anew, 
growing less in size and harder to the touch. 

APPARENT DEATH, ASPHYXIA OF THE INFANT. 

- By this time the new born infant, still in connec- 
tion with the after-birth, will have commenced 
crying quite lustily ; if it should not have done so, 
it requires immediate attention. Its mouth must 
be cleaned from the mucus within, and its limbs 
and the navel string freed from all incumbrances. 
While one attendant procures warm water for a 



ASPHYXIA OF THE INFANT. 255 

bath, another may improve the time by rubbing its 
spine, particularly that portion behind the upper 
part of the lungs from the neck downward, vigor- 
ously, and for a long time. This movement alone, 
is in most cases sufficient to restore animation and 
compel the infant to breathe. If no sign of life 
appears after fifteen minutes, put the infant, without 
cutting as yet the navel-string, into a warm bath, in 
which the rubbing on the spine and elsewhere 
should be continued. If this manipulation is un- 
successful, inflate the infant's lungs by breathing 
gently into its mouth, for which purpose it should 
be covered with a loose silk handkerchief, in order 
to break the force of the inflation. When the lungs 
are inflated, press the breast outside to expel the 
air again, and thus continue to inflate the lungs and 
expel the air in alternation for some time. If the 
child looks pale in the face, give it a dose (two glob.) 
of tartar emetic ; if it looks bloated, almost crim- 
son, give it opium (two glob.) on the tongue. If 
no signs of life appear after that, cut the navel- 
string if no pulsation any more is perceptible in it, 
(as long as the navel-string pulsates it should 
never.be cut,) remove the child from the bath, dry 
off and wrap it well in warm flannels. After it 
has been allowed some rest, the efforts of re-ani- 
mation should begin again in the same manner ; in 
addition to the above, slight shocks of electricity 

now should be applied, directing the poles on the 

m2 



256 DISEASES OF SEXUAL DEVELOPMENT. 

upper part of the spine and in front on the breast- 
bone. 

AFTER-BIRTH. 

If the child cries lustily, it may be removed 
soon by cutting the navel-string three inches from 
its body, but not before it has been ascertained that 
the navel string does not any more pulsate. As 
long as the beating of a pulse can be felt in any 
portion of the navel-string, it must not be cut ; a few 
minutes detention on this account will never be of 
any injury, but may be of great benefit to the in- 
fant. The beating begins to cease first. in that part 
of the string nearest the mother, and diminishes 
gradually towards the navel of the child. Wher- 
ever it has disappeared, the cord may be severed ; 
even if it is too long at first it can be shortened 
afterwards at leisure. Before the cut is made, 
(generally about three inches from the navel of 
the child,) tie two strings made of firm yarn or 
cord, tightly around the navel-string, allowing an 
inch of room between them ; in this place the cut 
should be made either with a pair of scissors or a 
good sharp knife, being careful, however, that no 
other parts of the infant's body are hurt by the 
operation. 

After the child is removed, it may be ascer- 
tained how far the after-birth has been expelled, and 
whether far enough to allow of an easy removal. 
If, on examination, it is found to lie within the 



AFTER-BIRTH. 257 



vagina, it can at once be grasped with the hand 
and extracted ; but if the cord reaches higher than 
the upper part of the vagina, and its connection 
with the placenta cannot be felt, it is highly im- 
proper to seek its expulsion by force applied to the 
cord. The after-birth is expelled from the womb 
by labor-pains, and if these have ceased for a while 
after the expulsion of the child, without having 
effected that of the placenta, it is proper and more 
safe to await the return of the after-pains, which in 
due time will make their appearance. They may 
be hastened by rubbing and gently pressing the 
abdomen externally, over the region of the womb, 
exciting thereby this organ to new contraction. 
After a few pains of this kind, the placenta will 
often be found lying within the grasp of the fin- 
gers; at any rate but very slight tractions care- 
fully made, will be sufficient to bring it down. 
This is all the manual assistance which persons 
not initiated in the art of obstetrics dare under- 
take as regards the removal of an after-birth. In 
most cases it should not be removed so quickly ; 
there is at least sufficient time to wait for the arri- 
val of a competent person. Meanwhile pulsatilla 
alternately with secale, every half hour a dose, 
(four glob.) may be given, which frequently will 
hasten its expulsion. If the patient's head is 
congested, face full and red, give of belladonna 

four globules, in preference to the above remedies. 
m3 



258 DISEASES OF SEXUAL DEVELOPMENT. 

HEMORRHAGE — FLOODING. 

The only danger, perhaps, which may threaten 
women during and shortly after the birth of a 
child, is that which results from flooding. Yet, 
carefully managed, this will not occur very fre- 
quently, nor be so very dangerous. A great deal 
can be done to avoid it. 

One of the most frequent causes of hemorrhage 
after delivery is mental excitement, either of a 
joyous or sad nature. Sometimes the husband, 
overjoyed at the safe delivery of his wife, expresses 
his own feelings in a too exciting manner, which 
causes like emotions in the fatigued patient ; or 
the latter becomes suddenly very depressed in 
spirits on being told the sex of the infant, herself 
having expected it to be the opposite. Excitement 
of any kind must be carefully kept, at this period, 
from the patient. She needs complete rest of body 
and mind ; sleep is the best restorer of strength, 
and the patient may indulge in it one hour after 
the birth of the child. 

After delivery and the removal of the placenta, 
the woman should lie perfectly quiet for the first 
eight or ten hours, with the knees close together, 
w r ell covered up to her chin, in order to keep up 
the perspiration excited on her skin during the 
preceding hard labor. A sudden cooling down 
sometimes produces a chill, with other bad conse- 



FLOODING. 259 



quences. When thus carefully covered, the nurse 
should wash the abdomen and other parts with 
moderately cool water without uncovering her, 
and if there is a tendency to a greater discharge 
from the womb than common, put a cold water 
bandage over the region of the womb, changing it 
whenever it becomes warm. Even if no flooding 
is threatening, a wet compress under the bandage 
commonly applied, will be a cooling and pleasant 
appliance, restorative in the highest degree, and 
preventing the abdomen from remaining afterwards 
too pendulous. 

If flooding should occur, rub the region over 
the womb, using steady and powerful friction 
with the hand, until the womb contracts again, 
and after-pains appear, which diminish the danger 
of flooding ; besides give the patient 

Belladonna if she has a great deal of bearing 
down 

Chamomile if her limbs are cold and she has 
pains around the abdomen. 

China and ipecac, alternately, in the worst cases, 
when the above remedies do not succeed ; or 

Pulsatilla, if a discharge of clotted blood ap- 
pears at intervals, ceases and re-appears ; followed 
by crocus, platina and sabina. 

As the last and surest remedy, apply the coldest 
water in wet compresses, renewed every minute, 
or pounded ice on the abdomen; this will soon 
m4 



260 DISEASES OF SEXUAL DEVELOPMENT. 

stay the flooding permanently, except when caused 
by parts of the after-birth being yet in the womb. 

AFTER-PAINS. 

Women, during the first confinement, experi- 
ence, very seldom, after-pains. They are mostly 
caused by the renewed efforts of contraction in the 
womb, dilated from time to time by the clots of 
blood oozing from the parts where the after-birth 
adhered. This may last a few hours or many days, 
just as the case may be. The following remedies 
will mitigate their severity, particularly if they 
are of a rheumatic or spasmodic origin, as is 
sometimes the case. 

Arnica is the first medicine, externally in a 
wash on the generative parts, and internally in 
globules; it sooths the irritability of the womb 
after severe labor. Alternately with it, give 

Pulsatilla, every two or three hours a dose (four 
glob.) which regulates the uterine contractions. 

Chamomile and nux vom. in alternation, in the 
same manner, if the pains are very pressing, pro- 
ducing impatience and irritability, with frequent 
but ineffectual urging to stool. 

Coffea and aconite, in the same manner, alter- 
nately ; if severity of the pains drive the patient 
almost to despair. 

Secale in weakly females or those who have 
already had many children. 



CONFINEMENT* 261 



Belladonna^ if the pains are attended with much 
bearing down, congestion to, and heat in the 
head, flushed face, coldness of the feet, tenderness 
and fullness of the abdomen, in alternation with 
opium, if the patient has an unusual disposition 
to sleep and stupor, during which her breathing is 
loud and snoring, only now and then interrupted 
by the severe after pains. 

Sometimes the application of the cold, cool or 
warm shallow-bath, as circumstances may require, 
will be of great benefit; also the wet bandage 
around the abdomen. 

CONFINEMENT. 

This term signifies the lying-in of a woman for 
a certain length of time, during which she shall 
recruit and recover her former strength and health. 
In a perfectly natural state of society, and under 
circumstances where the physical power of woman 
is not marred, the time of confinement needs to be 
but very short. Indeed there are cases on record 
where women have been able the next day after 
delivery, to attend to their duties partially, and in 
a few days afterwards altogether. But such iron 
constitutions cannot be expected to exist in our 
artificial state of society. We are consequently 
compelled to adopt rules which will prevent the 
many disorders which may befall debilitated con- 
stitutions after delivery, if not carefully attended. 
m5 



262 DISEASES OF SEXUAL DEVELOPMENT. 

Our modern Hygiene has made great reforms, also, 
in this period of female development, and women 
are less longer now confined to their rooms than 
they were in former times, and we may, if we con- 
tinue to live more in accordance with nature, 
arrive at still greater results. Water, fresh air 
and exercise will yet work miracles. 

At the present time we hold it still necessary 
for the mother to remain in bed for the first five or 
six days, after which she may sit up awhile, at 
first in bed, gradually lengthening the time, until 
she can sit up at the end of two weeks altogether. 
Circumstances, of course, will modify the above. 
The greatest danger, however, which can arise in 
this period, is generally caused by excitement of 
the mind, variously induced. The principal fault 
in this respect, consists in allowing friends and 
neighbors to pay lengthy visits to the patient. 
Yelpeau, a great obstetrician, speaks about this 
bad fashion as follows : 

"It is important that the patient should neither 
speak nor be spoken to, except when necessary. 
A calm state of the mind and repose of the body 
are so indispensable, that too much care cannot be 
taken to remove every cause that might interfere 
with them. Most of the diseases which affect a 
woman in childbed, may be attributed to the 
thousands of visits of friends, neighbors or ac- 
quaintance, or the ceremony with which she is too 



CONFINEMENT. 263 



often oppressed ; she wishes to keep up the con- 
versation; her mind becomes excited, the fruit 
of which is headache and agitation ; the slightest 
and indiscrete word worries her; the slightest 
motives of joy agitate her in the extreme ; the least 
opposition instantly makes her uneasy, and I can 
affirm that among the numerous cases of puer- 
peral fever met with, at the hospital de Perfec- 
tionnement, there are very few whose origin is 
unconnected with some moral commotion." 

Before the fourteenth day, therefore, visitors 
should not be admitted on any consideration. The 
risk is too great. 

The diet during this time, should receive our 
attention, but not with a view to cut short the al- 
lowance, or confine its quality to the mere dainties 
or so-called light food. Our opinion in this respect 
may differ somewhat from those who believe that 
a woman in confinement, although weakened by 
the whole process of delivery, by loss of blood and 
a great flow of milk, could subsist more comforta- 
bly, and gain strength, on light diet than strong, 
nourishing food. Our rule has been to let her 
desire alone in this respect, to let her choose her 
own diet, if no existing disorder will dictate other- 
wise. An healthy woman can relish and bear 
usual food the next day after delivery, as well as 
at any other time, and it is folly to make her starve 
at a time when she needs food the most. It is well 
.m6 



264 DISEASES OF SEXUAL DEVELOPMENT. 

enough not to allow her to eat too much at a time, 
nor partake of airy stimulating substances, either 
in food or drink ; even tea or coffee may be better 
replaced by cold water. The room should be aired 
daily once or twice ; the curtains around the bed 
should be such as to allow free circulation. Clean- 
liness in every particular should be observed. 

The bowels are naturally constipated for the 
first four or five days after delivery. If, after the 
lapse of that time it is necessary to interfere, give 
a few doses of opium and nux vom., in alternation 
every three hours a dose (six glob.) ; if head and 
limbs ache, give bryonia in the same manner. At 
the same time apply a few injections of cold water. 
Under no consideration whatever, give her ca- 
thartic medicine, the use of which is in no case 
more superfluous and hazardous. Stewed prunes 
or other relaxing dried fruit, will be equally effica- 
cious and more harmless than physic. 

LOCHIAL DISCHARGE. 

After the delivery of the placenta, the womb 
does not immediately re-assume its former size 
and consistence; this reduction is the work of 
time, and, as it progresses, produces what is called 
the locliia or loeMal discharge — liquids which 
ooze from the walls of the uterus into its cavity, 
whence they escape through the vagina. Through 
this process the womb gradually is reduced in size 



LOCHIAL DISCHARGE. 265 

and its loose texture becomes firmer again, until a 
normal size and consistence is regained. The first 
two or three days this discharge consists of blood, 
partially coagulated; while the milk appears in 
the breasts, a more serous liquid is discharged, 
more or less tinged with blood; finally, on the 
sixth or seventh day, the flow becomes whitish or 
purulent, of a thicker consistence. This may last 
variously, from two or three to twenty days. It 
is evident, that a process like this can be disturbed 
either by general or local causes, operating upon 
the womb, from which, as from a sponge, these 
liquids are pressed. If the womb inflames or is 
congested, its contracting movement is impeded, 
consequently the discharge will cease ; if the blood 
is constitutionally vitiated, its serum, as it oozes 
into the cavity of the womb, will be bad also, 
becoming sanious, thin, watery, of greenish color 
and bad smell, or a tedious suppurative process 
may take place, by which nature seeks to counter- 
act the retarding influence of a bad constitution. 
Our remedies in such cases are intended to support 
struggling nature in the restoration of the natural 
discharge, as the best indication of the healthful 
action of the womb. 

Irregularities of the lochial discharge during 
the presence of other diseases, such as childbed 
fever, etc., can only disappear after their cure, 
and require our attention in so far as they are 



266 DISEASES OF SEXUAL DEVELOPMENT. 

symptoms of these diseases, to which we refer the 
reader. 

Suppression of lochia, in consequence of con- 
gestion or inflammation of the womb, can occnr 
after exposures to cold, errors of diet, mental 
emotions, sudden joy, fear or grief, etc.; chilliness, 
fever, sometimes delirium, thirst, headache, pains 
in the back and limbs generally accompany a sup- 
pression of the lochia. If high fever is present, 
with congestion of the head, delirium, etc., give 
aconite and belladonna, in alternation, particularly 
if there are delirium and violent pains in the head 
and back, with pressure in the genital organs, as 
if they would be thrust out, every two or three 
hours a dose (four glob.,) until better; if not re- 
lieved, give bryonia alternately with aconite, and if 
no improvement follows, the fever continuing, in 
alternation with Pulsatilla, as above, especially 
when mental excitement of some kind or exposure 
to cold preceded the affection. Veratrum, after in- 
digestion, with rush of blood to the head, delirium, 
and palpitation of the heart, every two hours a 
dose. Opium and aconite alternately, as above, if 
sudden fright was the cause. Dulcamara and 
Pulsatilla, if no fever is present, and the suppres- 
sion was caused by exposure to dampness and 
cold. Coffea and chamomile, alternately, if the 
patient is highly excited and unable to bear the 
pains; restless and impatient. 



LOCHIAL DISCHARGE. 267 

"Warm compresses around the abdomen and a 
warm hip-bath are also recommended in cases of 
this kind. Diet the same as in fevers. 

Excessive and protracted lochia generally re- 
quire the same remedies as recommended for flood- 
ing. Crocus, if the discharge is dark colored, 
black, and of viscid consistency, with a feeling in 
the abdomen as of something alive. China and 
ipecac, in alternation, if the discharge appears in 
paroxysms, with nausea, vertigo, fainting, cold 
extremities, paleness of the face and hands, de- 
bility. Calcarea, in leuco-phlegmatic persons, 
fat, but flaccid, especially when there is an itching 
sensation in the uterus. Belladonna and platina 
in alternation, when the discharge is thick and 
dark, with drawing pains in the loins and abdo- 
men ; and secale in elderly and debilitated persons, 
with cool extremities and great anxiety of mind. 
Rhus, in cases where the lochia return after they 
once had ceased. Silicea, when the lochia appear 
each time that the infant is put to the breast. 

The above remedies may be given as often as 
once or twice a day, until better, six globules as 
a dose. 

Complete rest and good nourishment are indis- 
pensable to correct these disorders ; the cure can 
be accelerated by shallow hip-bath of a medium 
temperature. 

Offensive, sanious lochia need frequent wash- 



268 DISEASES OF SEXUAL DEVELOPMENT. 

ings with tepid water, and the use of belladonna, 
once a day a dose (six glob.;) if not better within 
eight days, give carlo animalis in the same man- 
ner, followed by secale, china, carh, veg., if neces- 
sary, as above. 

Diet must be very nourishing ; patient must 
have plenty of fresh air, if possible, in high, dry 
locations. 

CHILDBED FEVER. 

There are few diseases more dangerous than 
this, particularly when it has been permitted by 
neglect or otherwise, to progress in its fearful 
career. Consequently, by introducing it here we 
cannot have the intention of enabling the reader 
to treat it, when fully developed ; this stage re- 
quires the most skillful medical aid. Our aim is 
to make the reader acquainted with its character 
and symptoms, and such remedial means as will 
have a tendency to subdue it in the beginning, 
which can be effected more easily than its cure in 
after-stages. 

Diagnosis. — Like most fevers, childbed fever is 
preceded by a chill, or at least a chilly sensation, 
crawling from the small of the back along the spine 
upwards ; it is generally not very severe, even less 
so than those rigors indicating the approach of a 
milk fever, with which it might be confounded. 
But its apparent mildness and the presence of 
tenderness to the touch of the abdomen across 



CHILDBED FEVER. 269 

the uterine region, which is wanting in milk fever, 
establish the diagnosis of approaching childbed 
fever. It is important to remember that tender- 
ness of the abdomen is always connected with 
puerperal fever, even with the chill which pre- 
cedes it. The slightest touch of the finger, nay, 
the weight of the bed-clothes on the abdomen 
is almost insupportable, the pains are sometimes 
so intense, that the patients cry out loudly 
and scream with agony. The mildest chill may 
be followed by the severest fever. The whole 
abdomen seems to be inflamed in a very short 
time ; the lochia are suppressed, so is also the 
secretion of milk, if it already had appeared ; if 
not, it will, of course, not make its appearance in 
that condition of the patient. Sometimes the 
childbed fever attacks shortly after delivery, 
within two or three days ; at other times it ap- 
pears only after ten or twelve days. The latter 
cases are considered more favorable than the 
former. If the pain is confined to one particu- 
lar spot in the abdomen, the disease is not so 
dangerous as if the whole abdomen is painful 
to the touch. This latter is the most character- 
istic symptom of this fever; while other fevers 
may resemble it, having similar pains, none 
has this extreme tenderness to the touch, even 
to the slightest pressure on the abdomen. The 
pulse is always very frequent, as high as 150 



270 DISEASES OF SEXUAL DEVELOPMENT. 

per minute; excessive thirst, headache, burning 
fever, vomiting, etc., are present in most cases. 

Without detaining the reader with a greater 
amount of detail on a disease, which, in its height, 
none but a professional man will allow himself to 
treat, we will indicate at once what has to be 
clone in the beginning. 

Treatment. — During the chill give the patient 
oi aconite {twelve glob., dissolved in half a teacup- 
ful of water,) every half hour a teaspoonful, until 
it is succeeded by fever, when it is alternated with 
belladonna, prepared in a similar manner, every 
hour or two hours a teaspoonful, until better. 

If the lochia have ceased, alternate bryonia, 
prepared similarly as aconite, until the severest 
symptoms cease. At the same time put arouud 
the abdomen a thick wet bandage, frequently 
renewed, until the heat disappears, and profuse 
perspiration, rest, quiet, and sleep ensue. Give 
as a drink plenty of cold water ; fresh air is also 
necessary. 

milk-leg. (Phlegmasia Alba Dolens.)' 

We make mention of this disease here, as one 
whose symptoms and course are so strange and 
frightful to the uninitiated, that a better acquain- 
tance with its character is very desirable. Its 
treatment, when fully developed, must be directed 
by a skillful physician ; only in the beginning, 



MILK-LEG. 271 



remedies may be at once applied to subdue it ; 
these we intend to communicate. 

Diagnosis. — The first symptoms of this disease 
are pain and swelling in some part of the leg or 
groin, which soon increase and prevent the motion 
of the limb at a very early stage. The fever pre- 
sent is generally not very high, but very constant. 
The disease makes its appearance usually within 
the first two weeks after delivery, and consists in 
an inflammation of the lymphatic vessels, veins 
and areolar tissue of the leg; the vulgar belief, 
that the milk, transferred from the breasts by some 
cause, appears in the legs, and makes them swell, 
is, of course, at the present day discarded as un- 
founded, and nothing is left of this belief but the 
popular name, milk-leg. It is astonishing to 
what an extent the leg can swell up in this dis- 
ease, it being sometimes larger than a man's body. 

Treatment. — Belladonna seems to be the re- 
medy which, in the beginning, better than any 
other controls this disease. Give three times a 
day a dose (six glob.,) followed by bryonia and 
rhus in alternation, in the same manner, if neces- 
sary. As soon as possible procure medical aid; 
meanwhile keep the leg at rest and in an elevated 
position. The diet during this time must be very 
light, such as tea, toast and gruels ; if a relish is 
wanted, lemonades, stewed prunes or other dried 
fruits are preferable. 



272 DISEASES OF SEXUAL DEVELOPMENT. 



MANIA IN CHILDBED. 

The above name indicates the nature of the 
disease sufficiently; it is a mental derangement, 
caused by a peculiar condition in which the womb 
is during parturition and childbed. Although 
cases of this kind are rare, yet they occur ; and if 
not known, might greatly frighten the attendants 
of the patient. 

Sometimes the disease appears in the form of 
a mania with all the symptoms of rage, fury and 
wildness ; frequently the head aches violently, the 
face is very red, eyes have a wild appearance, roll 
round and are very sensitive to the light ; the 
pulse is very full and frequent, the patient gene- 
rally very restless and agitated. In this state 
belladonna every two or three hours a dose (six 
glob.) will be beneficial, alternating it with hyos- 
cyamus, if necessary. 

At other times the disease assumes the character 
of a melancholia, without the exhibition of feverish 
symptoms; the patient appears low-spirited, talks at 
random, particularly when left alone ; she is shy and 
given to fear, sleeps very little or none at all. Bel- 
ladonna, lachesis, and pulsatilla are the principal 
remedies in this form of mania. They may be 
given, the first two in alternation, morning, noon 
and night, a dose (four glob.;) the latter twice a 
day a dose (six glob.,) if the former did not relieve. 



NURSING. 273 



As this disease, on account of its importance, 
requires the most skillful medical aid, we abstain 
from giving here more of its treatment. If the 
secretions, peculiar to childbed, such as milk and 
lochia, re-appear, a favorable issue of the disease 
may be expected. 

4. NURSING. 

"With the termination of parturition the object 
of nature is only half fulfilled. The new being 
has been brought into the world ; but torn from 
its parental roots, it would have gained nothing, 
if nature had not kindly provided the fountain of 
life, from which, for some time to come, it is des- 
tined to draw its nourishment, suitable in an 
eminent degree for its infantile nature. Without 
this breast of milk, the helpless young would perish 
by the hundreds ; and though large, deplorably 
large, as at present is still the mortality of infants, 
it would be frightful, nay equal to a complete 
destruction of the human race, if nature had not 
mixed and prepared the food in the mother's 
bosom for the feeble offspring. 

A provision of this kind demands our unquali- 
fied admiration and most loyal adhesion ; although 
a law of nature in the fullest sense of the word, it 
does not manifest itself in passionate excitement 
for self-gratification, or vigorous egotism for self- 
preservation, which constitute the stimuli of most 



274 DISEASES OF SEXUAL DEVELOPMENT. 

other laws of nature ; but in the more divine garb 
of love, not in receiving but in dispensing bless- 
ings ; not in defending one's self, but in protecting 
another one from starvation and death by offering 
for sustenance the life's fluid of one's self. 

Sympathy and pity, therefore, the own Sisters 
of Mercy, who reside in heaven for evermore, 
move the tender heart of a mother, while nature 
swells her breasts with the sweet streams soon to 
be drawn in, with impatient delight by the most 
helpless being which nature produced, but which 
she also knew how best to protect and nurse. 

For this purpose nature provided the milk- 
secreting organs whose function must be exercised, 
else injury will be done not only to the infants, by 
depriving them of their natural nourishment, but 
also to the health of the mother, by the distension 
and inflammation of the breasts. Reasons of the 
most urgent nature should only prevent a mother 
from suckling her infant. Serious diseases, such 
as consumption, eruptive or other fevers, great 
constitutional debility, mental derangement, etc., 
are some of those which demand a discontinuance 
of nursing. 

But they occur very rarely ; more frequently 
do we meet with a spirit of unwillingness on the 
part of mothers, to undergo the trouble, and occa- 
sional self-denial, which the nursing of infants 
forces upon them. In a majority of such cases, it 



HURSING. ^75 



is not want of maternal affection, but the belief 
that their own health and beauty might suffer, 
while no damage could result from it to the health 
of the infant by^taking the milk of another one. 

As to the lirst reason, mothers are sadly mis- 
taken. All medical men agree that nursing, far 
from deteriorating or weakening the constitution, 
adds tc the health and beauty of women. Besides, 
it is a matter of the greatest importance for the 
infant of having the most suitable nourishment; 
and none is more suitable than the own mother's 
milk. Neither in age or quality can it be rivaled 
by that of a wet-nurse, to say nothing of the many 
other disqualifying circumstances of the latter. 

If it is, however, indispensable in some cases 
to have a wet-nurse, great care should be taken of 
ascertaining that she possesses the requisite quali- 
fications. We would recommend that she should 
be examined thoroughly by the physician of the 
family, before she is permitted to give her breast 
to the child. She must be free from diseases of 
the skin, eyes and eyelids ; she ought to have a 
clear complexion and healthy, full form. Her 
disposition should be mild and amiable ; her cha- 
racter energetic, but not irritable. She must show 
a habit of cleanliness in personal matters ; regu- 
larity and temperance in eating and drinking. 
Her morals should be above suspicion. 

If these qualities have been found in a nurse, 



276 

it is necessary to compare the age of her milk with 
that which the child needs ; it dare not vary three 
months either way. In all other respects, if she 
is engaged, she should live and act during nursing 
as the mother herself would do. It is well, how- 
ever, to watch a nurse carefully for a month or 
two, before too much confidence is bestowed upon 
her, as she may slily do things not exactly wrong 
in her own opinion, yet objectionable altogether. 
Some nurses are in the habit of giving the children 
laudanum, to make them sleep well as they say. 
This, of course, has to be interdicted at once, for 
obvious reasons. Opium in any shape or form 
should be withheld from an infantile constition ; it 
is more dangerous and destructive than alcohol. 
If the mother concludes to nurse the infant 
herself, it should be placed on the breasts eight or 
ten hours after delivery, except urgent circum- 
stances prevent it. In doing so, the nipples are 
at once drawn out and the act of suckling will 
encourage the flow of milk in the breasts, thereby 
preventing distension, as the milk already in the 
breasts being drawn out thus early, permits the 
newly secreted to take its place. Besides, the 
infant once having taken hold of the nipple while 
not yet made smaller by the distension of the 
breast, hardly ever refuses to do so afterwards, 
although the breast may be full and tense and the 
nipple almost disappear. 



NURSING. 277 



It is scarcely possible to state precisely the time 
when and how often an infant should take the breast; 
we can only advise the reader to be as regular in 
this respect as possible. Infants can be trained into 
certain habits very early. If no sickness prevents, 
an infant should have the breast about every three 
hours during the day time, while in the night it 
can do without the breast for six or eight hours. 
This habit once formed, will preserve its health 
better, on the known principle that regularity in 
eating and drinking does the same in adults. 

It is a very reprehensible practice in mothers, 
to give the breast to children on the slightest occa- 
sion ; for instance, when it awakes or begins to 
cry, either from being frightened, as children often 
are, or from real pain. An infant quieted by the 
breast, will soon go to sleep, during which a con- 
gestive state of the brain is produced, sometimes 
to such an extent as to engender spasms. It is 
much better to calm down the irritability of a child 
by more rational means ; if nothing will help, a 
warm bath or some of the medicines recommended 
for that purpose in the Domestic Physician, will 
do it , coffea, chamomile and belladonna are the 
principal remedies for that purpose. 

It is a question yet open for discussion, to de- 
termine when nursing shall cease. The opinions 
of medical writers are very much divided on this 
subject. Our own coincides with those who be- 



278 DISEASES OF SEXUAL DEVELOPMENT, 

lieye that it should not last longer than a year, 
certainly not over eighteen months. Others 
maintain that two and even three years is a time 
not too long. We hold that nature has indicated 
in the development of the child, her own wish as 
to the proper period of the termination of nursing. 
As soon as the teeth have appeared, the child is 
evidently ready to masticate and digest substances 
more solid than milk, and the eagerness with 
which it seeks to get hold of more solid food at 
that time, proves clearly that nature designed to 
terminate nursing. 

It is proper, however, to continue it until the 
period of teething is fairly over, a time, during 
which the children are more or less delicate and 
feeble. 

The diet of the mother, while nursing, should 
be more nourishing than common, although it is 
not necessary to be too particular in its selection. 
Her own wishes will generally point to the kind of 
food most wholesome for herself and child. As 
regards the latter, a little experience will soon 
teach the proper medium, and this must be kept. 
Acid food or drink, though perfectly agreeable to 
the mother, usually disagrees with the infant; 
consequently the mother will have to abstain from 
it. We have mostly found it the best plan to let 
nursing mothers prescribe their own diet, choos- 
ing it according to their liking; as to quantity 



MILK FEVER. 270 



we would advise them not to indulge their appetite 
too much at a time. To eat frequently but little at 
once, should be the rule. A so-called stimulating 
diet is under no circumstances advisable. Either 
the nursing mother is well, then she has no need 
of stimulating food or drink ; or she is sick, then 
she needs medical treatment, which, according 
to homoeopathic principles, is always without 
stimulus. We will now consider the various 
disorders belonging to the nursing period. 

MILK FEVER. 

Milk may appear in the breasts long before the 
termination of pregnancy ; usually it makes its 
appearance the third day after delivery, in most 
cases gently and without much disturbance of the 
general health ; but sometimes under a storm of 
excitement in the vascular and nervous system, 
which is called milk fever. After a severe chill, 
which penetrates the whole body, a violent fever 
appears, with headache, congestion to the brain 
and chest, which produces difficult respiration; 
during this time the breasts begin to swell and 
the patient perceives the shooting in of the milk ; 
the breasts become now tender and hard. 

Although this fever soon may disappear, it is 
desirable to mitigate its severity, which can be 
done by a few doses of aconite, every hour or two 

a dose (four glob.) As soon as the patient begins 

n2 



280 DISEASES OF SEXUAL DEVELOPMENT. 

to perspire, most of the above symptoms will 
cease; if they should not, give bryonies if the 
head and back still ache or there is great oppres- 
sion at the chest. If the head, however, is the 
principal seat of distress, particularly if the patient 
cannot bear the light, give belladonna in the same 
manner. If the breasts are very tender to the 
touch, the patient is very restless and much ex- 
cited, give coffea and chamomile in alternation, 
every hour a dose (four glob.,) until better. Puls- 
atilla is particularly indicated when the breasts 
are very much distended, feel very sore, and 
rheumatic pains extend to the muscles of the chest 
and shoulders; it should be given every three 
hours a dose (four glob.) Give bryonia and rlius 
alternately, every two hours a dose (four glob.,) if 
the tongue is coated and the back and limbs con- 
tinue to ache, after the fever has disappeared. 

External applications are of not much use 
during a milk fever, except, perhaps, a compress 
dipped in hot water and wrung out well. The 
milk should be drawn out as soon as possible, 
either by the child or a breast pump. Of the 
latter, we have found those having an India rubber 
globe attached to them, to be the best kind. & 

AGUE IN THE BREAST. GATHERED BREAST. 

It is a general law of our nature, that organs 
which are at certain periods especially active, are 



GATHERED BREAST. 281 

at that time more subject to diseases than others 
not equally active. During lactation, the breasts 
are the organs predominantly active in the female 
system; they are, therefore, the ones on which 
the diseases occurring during the whole of that 
period will reflect more or less. If a nursing 
woman gets cold, it will settle there ; if by mental 
excitement, passion, fright, anger, fear, grief, etc., 
she becomes sick, it will affect first the secretion 
of milk ; in short, any cliorder during lactation has 
its bad effect on this process. 

A gue in the breast is the most common form 
by which this effect manifests itself, and if not 
relieved at once, will end in the suppuration of 
the mammary gland. 

A more or less severe chill is followed by fever, 
generally accompanied by lancinating or shooting 
pains in the breast, whose secretion is mostly ar- 
rested at that time. This increases the size of the 
breast and if the milk is not removed, will predis- 
pose to inflammation and suppuration. As a 
general rule we recommend to give at once 

Chamomile and bryonia alternately, every hour 
a dose (four glob.,) for four hours ; after which 
discontinue for four hours, and let the fever pass 
off by perspiration, without giving any more 
medicine ; if the fever, however will not disappear, 
or if it returns, give 

Aconite and belladonna, particularly when the 
n3 



282 DISEASES OF SEXUAL DEVELOPMENT. 

breasts are swollen, hard, and very tender ; exter- 
nally, apply hot brandy cloths. If lumps remain 
in the breasts, rub with sweet oil, or lay over the 
breast a plaster made of beeswax and sweet oil. 

If a gathering of the breast cannot be avoided, 
abstain from applying the warm poultices as long 
as possible, as it has a tendency to implicate a still 
larger part of the breast within the suppurative 
sphere ; give during this time 

Phosphorus and hepar alternately, morning and 
evening a dose (four glob.,) until better, or until 
four doses of each are taken, after which discon- 
tinue the medicine, awaiting its effects at least 
three or four days ; if no signs of improvement 
are visible, give 

Mercury and lachesis in the same manner ; and 
then again, 

Phosphorus and hepar, until the abscess has 
opened or the swelling is diminished. 

After the opening of the abscess and the dis- 
charge of the matter, give silicea, every evening 
and morning a dose (four glob.;) externally apply 
a wash on the breast three times a day, made of 
twelve globules of silieea in half a teacupful of 
water. This remedy may be followed in two weeks, 
if necessary, by sulphur, internally in the same 
manner as silieea, and thus in alternation with, it, 
until the breasts are healed. 

During this time poultices of bread and milk, 



DETERIORATION OF MILK. 233 

or slippery elm, may be used to mitigate the 
irritation. Let the diet be nourishing but not 
stimulating. The infant may be allowed to nurse 
as long as possible ; and if not, use the breast- 
pump to draw the milk out as often as needed. 

DETERIORATION OF MILE. 

A good quality of human milk should exhibit 
a whitish color, with a tinge of bluish or yellow- 
ish; should taste pleasantly sweet and have no 
smell ; a drop of it put on a nail should glide off 
from the same, if held in an oblique position, 
slowly, leaving a whitish mark on the nail. A 
drop of good human milk put in a tumbler of 
water, will mix in it slowly, forming clouds in 
it here and there. 

Sometimes the milk deteriorates, becomes too 
thin and watery, or too thick, oleaginous, acrid, 
even acid ; at other times it appears mixed with 
pus and blood, tastes bitter and assumes an abnor- 
mal color. 

Milk can, however, be deteriorated without 
exhibiting any other external signs, save its bad 
consequences on the child. This is particularly the 
case after severe mental emotions, fear, grief, anger, 
etc, or the use of large doses of medicines, which, 
absorbed by the vessels, come into the circulation 
of the system. As to the effect of the mind on 

the secretion of milk, Carpenter remarks : 

n4 



284 DISEASES OF SEXUAL DEVELOPMENT. 

" The formation of this secretion is influenced 
by the nervous system to a greater degree, per- 
haps, than that of any other. The process may 
go on continuously, to a slight degree, during the 
whole period of lactation ; but it is only in animals 
that have special reservoirs for that purpose, that 
any accumulation of the fluid can take place. In 
the human female, these reservoirs are so small as 
to hold but a trifling quantity of milk ; and the 
greater part of the secretion is actually formed 
whilst the child is at the breast. The irritation 
of the nipple produced by the act of suction, and 
the mental emotion connected with it, concur 
to produce an increased flow of blood into the 
gland, which is known to nurses as the draught; 
and thus the secretion is for the time greatly aug- 
mented. The draught may be produced simply 
by the emotional state of the mind, as by the 
thought of the child when absent ; and the irrita- 
tion of the nipple may alone occasion it ; but the 
two influences usually act simultaneously. The 
most remarkable examples of the influence of such 
stimuli on the mammary secretion, are those in 
which milk has been produced by girls and old 
women, and even by men, in quantity sufficient 
to support an infant. The application of the child 
to the nipple in order to tranquillize it, the irrita- 
tion produced by its efforts at suction, and the 
strong desire to furnish milk, seem, in the first 



DETERIORATION OF MILK. 285 

instance, to occasion an augmented nutrition of 
the gland, so that it becomes fit for the perform- 
ance of its function ; and then to produce in it that 
state of functional activity, the result of which is 
the production of milk. It is not only in this 
way that the mammary secretion is influenced by 
the condition of the mind ; for it is particularly lia- 
ble to be affected as to quality by the habitual 
state of the feelings, or even by their temporary 
excitement. Thus, a fretful temper not only les- 
sens the quantity of milk, but makes it thin, serous, 
and gives it an irritating quality; and the same 
effect will be produced for a time by a fit of anger. 
Under the influence of grief or anxiety, the se- 
cretion is either checked altogether, or it is 
diminished in amount and deteriorated in quality. 
The secretion is usually checked altogether by 
terror; and under the influence of violent passion 
it may be so changed in its character, as to pro- 
duce the most injurious, and even fatal conse- 
quences to the infant. So many instances are 
now on record in which children that have been 
suckled within a few minutes after the mothers 
have been in a state of violent rage or terror, have 
died suddenly in convulsive attacks, that the oc- 
currence can scarcely be set down as a mere 
coincidence; and certain as we are of the delete- 
rious effects of less severe emotions upon the 

properties of the milk, it does not seem unlikely 
n5 



286 DISEASES OF SEXUAL DEVELOPMENT. 

that in these cases, the bland nutritious fluid 
should be converted into a poison of rapid and 
deadly operation." 

There is evident danger in allowing the child 
to suck immediately after violent emotions of the 
mind; the same has been experienced after vio- 
lent bodily exercise, running or performing hard 
manual labor. A suitable length of time should 
elapse before a mother dare give, with impunity, 
the breast to a child after such disturbing influ- 
ences have occurred, and not even then should the 
child suck until after a considerable quantity of 
milk has been extracted artificially, else it will 
become sick from the milk which was in the breast 
during the excitement. 

The quality of the milk can be improved by the 
use of the following remedies. If it is thin and 
serous take china, every other evening a dose (six 
glob.,) for eight days ; if not improved at that time, 
take 

Stannum in the same manner, and if not better 
after its use, take 

Mercury, particularly if the infant refuses to 
suck. 

If the color of the milk is too yellow and the 
taste a bitter one, give rheum in the same manner. 

If the child throws up the milk immediately 
after sucking, give silicea every three or four 
days one globule, until better. 



SUPPRESSED SECRETION OF MILK. 2S7 



SUPPRESSED SECRETION OF MILK. 

The circumstances which suppress the secre- 
tion of milk in the breasts, are as various as the 
manifold relations, external or internal, which in- 
fluence our system. The most prominent, how- 
ever, are the following: Exposures to cold or 
dampness, errors in diet, sudden and violent 
mental emotions, diseases in other parts of the 
system, particularly if they are of a nervous char- 
acter. The consequences following a sudden sup- 
pression of lacteal secretion, are frequently of a 
serious nature, and their prevention requires our 
immediate attention. The danger is greatest when 
congestions to the head, breast or abdomen appear. 
Give immediately of 

Pulsatilla (twelve globules dissolved in half a 
teacupful of water,) every two or three hours a 
teaspoonful ; this will frequently restore the flow 
of milk, particularly if cold was the cause. 

But should congestions of the head, lungs or 
abdomen be present, give 

Belladonna and bryonia in the same manner as 
above, in alternation, until better. 

If m,ental emotions have caused it and the 
patient is very much excited and restless, give 
first aconite and coffea in alternation, as above. 

If exposure to cold or dampness produced the 
suppression give chamomile, bryonia and rhus, par- 



288 DISEASES OF SEXUAL DEVELOPMENT. 

ticnlarly when the head and limbs ache and fever 
is present, having been preceded by a chill. 

If diarrhea sets in, give pulsatilla, mercury, 
bryonia^ rhus. 

EXCESSIVE SECRETION OF MILK, 

A too copious secretion of milk may produce 
swelling and inflammation of the breasts with all 
its concomitants ; also obstructed or involuntary 
emission of milk, debility, nervous and inflam- 
matory disorders, headache, hysterics, even tuber- 
cular consumption. In such cases medical aid 
should be sought at once. Until that is procured, 
the following remedies may be given. 

Belladonna every other evening a dose (six 
glob.,) will diminish the secretion, if febrile and 
congestive symptoms are present. 

Calcarea carb., if the former does not give 
relief, in the same manner for one week. If not 
relieved, take 

Phosphorus in the same manner ; besides apply 
externally cotton batting, which mitigates swelling 
and pains. 

The same remedies are beneficial, if the milk 
escapes all the time, keeping the parts constantly 
wet and rendering them more liable than usual to 
cold on the slightest exposure. 

China should be given when great debility is 
present, either when the milk flows involuntarily 



DEFICIENCY OF MILK. 289 

or is secreted too copiously ; in the former case it 
alternates well with pulsatilla, in the latter with 
rhus, every evening a dose (four glob.,) until 
better. Frequent washing and bathing is recom- 
mended. 

DEFICIENCY OF MILK. 

Various circumstances may cause a deficiency 
of milk in quantity ; they are either constitutional 
or occasional. To the former belongs the mother's 
age, which if too young or too far advanced pre- 
disposes to this complaint; women inclined to 
corpulency have not much milk, also such as in 
former confinements, compelled by disease or oth- 
erwise, did not nurse their children; organic 
diseases of the breasts themselves may sometimes 
prevent the secretion of a sufficient quantity of 
milk. As exciting causes may be accounted de- 
pressing mental emotions, sudden change of the 
mother's mode of living, sedentary habit, exposure 
to cold and dampness, faults in the diet, abuse of 
cathartic medicines and a high degree of physical 
debility. As to the treatment of this disease we 
have, of course, first to remove its cause, as far, 
at least, as possible. After this is done the fol- 
lowing remedies should be given to correct the 
remaining derangement. 

Agnus castus is recommended very highly in 
cases of this kind ; the patient takes every other 
evening a dose (six glob.) If constitutional causes 



£90 DISEASES OF SEXUAL DEVELOPMENT. 

operate, the patient should undergo a proper treat- 
ment by a competent homoeopathic physician. 

Calcarea, iodium, causticum, sepia and sulphur 
in such cases will be most beneficial. 

AsafcRtida in small quantities, either in tincture 
or first trituration, is recommended very highly ; 
as also the anis and dill seed; the latter made into 
a tea and drank three or four times a day. Some 
women use drinks made of milk and various 
spirituous liquors ; we would request the reader 
to be careful in their use, as the child will thus re- 
ceive milk more or less impregnated with alcohol 
and its fearful consequences. 

SOKE NIPPLES. 

This affection, consisting of an excoriation of 
the skin around and on the nipple, usually appears 
soon after the child has been put to the breast. 
Its main cause consists in a constitutional tender- 
ness of the skin, which manifests itself on the 
slightest occasion, in cracks and wounds, of a very 
sensitive nature. We have witnesssed distressing 
cases of this kind ; the sufferings seem sometimes 
to be insupportable, if the complaint has pro- 
gressed very far. Our aim from the beginning 
should be to prevent the soreness of the nipples, 
by washing them and the breasts a few months 
before parturition twice a day in cold water. This 
strengthens the skin and renders it less liable to 



SORE NIPPLES. 



291 



be affected afterwards. After the birth of the child 
follow the following directions. Apply 

Arnica, six drops of the tincture to a teacupful 
of water ; wash with it every time after the child 
has sucked. At the same time give internally 

Chamomile, every four or six hours a dose (four 
glob.,) particularly when the nipples inflame, swell 
and threaten to ulcerate, with pains almost insup- 
portable, like tooth-ache. 

If this fails, give the following medicines in 
their order, each one once a day for six or eight 
days until relief is obtained. 

Mercury, sulphur, silicea, graphites, lycopodium, 
calcarea carb. These remedies are intended to 
remove the constitutional taint which underlies 
the affection, and without the extinction of which 
no true cure of sore nipples can be effected. 

One of the best expedients externally applied, 
is a cow's teat fastened on a silver plate; this 
instrument can be had in the drug stores. They 
are preserved in diluted alcohol and are washed in 
clean water each time before being applied. If 
the wound is not ulcerated, it may be covered with 
collodion, which permits the sucking of the child 
without tearing it open every time afresh, 



CHAPTER II. 



DISEASES OF GENERATIVE ORGANS. 

The diseases to which the female organs of 
generation are liable, comprise some of the most 
difficult and dangerous disorders ; they are very 
numerous and of frequent occurrence. It is very 
desirable, therefore, that the reader should acquire 
such general knowledge of their appearance and 
course, as will aid in preventing danger and de- 
struction so often the natural consequence of ne- 
glect and ignorance. We intend to describe in the 
following pages, a number of those diseases which 
occur most frequently and whose progress can 
often be arrested in their commencement. Of 
most of them the reader must be content to learn 
only the description, as their treatment is either 
too difficult or too hazardous. 

The organs of generation are divided into exter- 
nal and internal ; we begin with the former. 

IMPERFOEATION OF THE HYMEN. 

Sometimes the entrance into the vagina is 
closed entirely, which before the years of puberty 



INFLAMMATION OF EXTERNAL PARTS. 293 

is of but little consequence ; it becomes important 
however, afterwards for very obvious reasons, 
because the menses are thereby prevented from 
making their appearance. As this difficulty is 
easier removed in infancy, it is well for mothers 
to observe early, whether it exists. We once had 
occasion to correct this fault in a child two years 
old; the operation was slight and without pain. 
If it is left until the age of puberty, severe pains 
are experienced by the girl every month, until, by 
an operation, a sufficient aperture is made to allow 
the menses to appear. When early recognized, 
the disease is not dangerous. 

INFLAMMATION OF EXTERNAL PARTS. 

From the structure, texture and position of 
these parts, it is evident that they must be liable 
to various and severe diseases, particularly if in 
addition to exposure, neglect of proper cleanliness 
acts as an exciting cause. Daily washings with 
cold water, and during menstrual flow with tepid 
water, are indispensably necessary to prevent these 
parts from becoming the seat of annoying and dan- 
gerous diseases. The labia in young children 
sometimes are found adherent, which may be 
owing, frequently, to a want of cleanliness. An 
early application to a surgeon will correct this dif- 
ficulty. Afterwards, however, these parts should 
be washed often to prevent further adhesions. 



294 DISEASES OF GENERATIVE ORGANS. 

Inflammation of the labia occurs frequently, 
and has a great tendency to terminate in suppu- 
ration, producing an abcess. The patient should, 
from the beginning, keep quiet in a horizontal 
position and take aconite and bryonia alternately, 
every six hours a dose (six glob. ;) externally she 
should apply cold water compresses, if the swell- 
ing is not very large and hot ; but if it is so, use 
hot water applications. If, notwithstanding, 
suppuration should ensue and the abscess form, 
mercury and lachesis in the same manner, are indi- 
cated. After the abscess has discharged, one or 
two doses of hepar will be beneficial. 

WOUNDS ON THE EXTERNAL PARTS. 

All wounds on these parts need more than 
common care; rest in a horizontal position is 
indispensable. Besides the application of arnica 
tincture in cold water, in compresses, kept wet 
constantly and laid over the parts affected. 

OEDEMATOUS SWELLING OF THE LABIA. 

Pregnant women are more liable to this com- 
plaint than others ; sometimes it occurs in conse- 
quence of anasarca, when the lower extremities 
are already swelled to the greatest extent. 

A swelling of these parts during pregnancy 
soon disappears after, or even during parturition ; 
very seldom is the successful termination of the 



PRURITUS. 295 



birth impeded by it. The patient can greatly 
relieve herself by lying down frequently during 
the day time for an hour or two. If the delivery 
is retarded by the swelling, the labia may be punc- 
tured on their external surface and the water let 
out, even after labor has commenced. 

PRURITUS. 

Itching of the Private Parts. — This is per- 
haps the most distressing and troublesome disease 
to which females are subject ; it takes away rest 
and sleep, thus producing sometimes the most 
extreme debility. We are as yet unable to deter- 
mine the precise cause of this disease ; in most 
cases, however, it must be the secretion of some 
acrid fluid, which is discharged on these parts at 
intervals, when the itching takes place. Want of 
cleanliness may aggravate the attack, but scarcely 
ever can be its sole cause. Pruritus more fre- 
quently attacks pregnant women, but is not con- 
fined to them alone. At first its appearance may 
produce in the mind of the sufferer a suspicion of 
being affected with some secret disorder, thus 
adding mental sufferings to the intolerable physi- 
cal ones, particularly if the disease appears in the 
form of aphthous eruption, like the thrush of 
infants. 

In such cases a strong" solution of horax in 
water, applied three or four times a day, if neces- 



296 DISEASES OF GENERATIVE ORGANS. 

sary by a syringe, will remove the itching in a 
short time. 

Another very excellent remedy is the injection 
of ammoniated water into the vagina; it is best 
applied alternately with that of the borax solution. 
p The constant application of cold water is neces- 
sary in a few cases where the itching is more in 
external parts ; it affords sometimes the only 
means to procure rest and sleep for the patient. 

We should never omit to institute an internal 
treatment ; the following remedies, to be given in 
their order, will be of great benefit ; each remedy 
should be used for three days, twice a day a dose, 
(six glob.,) until better. 

Apis mellific, arsenicum, rlius, bryonia, pulsat., 
mercury, sarsaparilla, sulphur, sepia, silicea, gra- 
phites, carb. veg. 

Before leaving this subject, we will draw the 
attention of the reader to a precautionary rule in 
the external treatment of this disease. If a patient, 
afflicted with pruritus, has schirrous tumors in 
the breast, the external application of the borax 
for the pruritus should be preceded by the internal 
use of the remedies above mentioned ; in a similar 
case coming under our notice, the schirrus began 
to degenerate into an open cancer as soon as the 
pruritus had been hastily removed by the external 
use of borax alone ; the lady in question died soon 
after. 



DISEASES OF THE VAGINA. 297 

DISEASES OF THE VAGINA. 

The natural malformations of the vagina are 
very rare, and consist chiefly, as Dr. Denman 
says, " of such an abbreviation and contraction 
as to render it unfit for the purposes for which it 
was designed. The curative indications are to 
relax the parts by the use of emolient applications, 
and to dilate them to their proper size by sponge 
or other tents, or, which is more effectual, by 
bougies gradually enlarged." In a case which 
came under our observation, the dilatation was 
effected by the last mentioned method ; the woman 
afterwards became pregnant, and was safely de- 
livered of a fine large child without any more 
than common exertions in labor. 

A complaint of more frequent occurrence is 
the prolapsus or falling down of the vagina ; it 
consists in the inversion and depression of the 
front or back vaginal wall to such an extent as to 
form a marked protrusion, sometimes outside the 
entrance. Its primary cause lies in a relaxed or 
weakened state of the mucous membrane, which, 
with other exciting circumstances, such as long 
continued leucorrheas and irritations, frequent 
pregnancies and hard labors, abuse of spirituous 
liquors, late hours, etc., permit the walls of the 
vagina to sink down and invert. It may be dis- 
tinguished from prolapsus uteri, by the absence of 



■ 



298 DISEASES OF GENERATIVE ORGANS. 

hardness in the fallen or protruded lump, the 
uterus always exhibiting to the feeling a consistent, 
even hard surface, while the vagina does not, 
feeling rather soft and yielding. A frequent re- 
placement of the protrusion, recumbent position 
for some time, injections of cold water, and finally 
the application of a sponge, three or four inches 
long and an inch thick, covered with linen, and 
changed for the sake of cleanliness twice a day, 
form the means generally sufficient to correct this 
complaint. The alternate use of mercury and nux 
vom., every other evening a dose (six glob.) will 
be at the same time very beneficial, and should 
not be omitted. Complete conjugal abstinence 
during the cure is necessary. 

LEUCORRHEA. (FluOT Al~bu8.) 

This disease, commonly called whites, is the 
most frequent, troublesome and weakening com- 
plaint of the female sex. It consists of a slimy, 
mucous discharge, variously colored, and of dif- 
ferent consistency. It occurs usually between the 
age of puberty and the critical period, and is 
seldom seen later than this, except when dis- 
charges of a similar kind are excited in conse-. 
quence of uterine disorganization. If it manifests 
itself in children, or even infants, it is either on 
account of a want of cleanliness, or local irritation, 
such as is produced by pin-worms, etc. 



LEUCOBRHEA. 299 



Weakly females, of a nervous, relaxed, or 
easily excited temperament, are more obnoxious 
to it ; and the more refined or over-civilized our 
present state of society becomes, with its legion 
of pleasures, inactivity of body, idle and late hours, 
bad literature, and immoderate use of tea, coffee 
and spices of all kinds (we mention here only the 
increased use of vanilla,) the more easily will this 
disease be engendered. 

The symptoms and exciting causes of leucor- 
rhea are so various, that we have to divide it into 
several species. The most convenient division is 
that into an idiopathic and symptomatic ; the 
former being of primary origin, not excited by 
other diseases, while the latter appears only in 
consequence of other diseases or by specific poi- 
sons, such as venereal, etc. We could subdivide 
these species into several classes, enumerating the 
peculiar characteristics of each class, but it would 
carry us too far in a treatise like this, whose aim 
is only practical usefulness ; in this respect the 
above classification will be sufficient. 

The primary or idiopathic fluor albus is mostly 
caused by constitutional predisposition in females, 
whose sexual organs are easily excited by mens- 
truation, conjugal affinity, pregnancy and par- 
turition. This is particularly the case, when 
stimuli of another kind are added, such as the use 
of highly seasoned food or exciting drinks, tea, 



300 DISEASES OF GENERATIVE ORGANS. 

coffee, vanilla-chocolate, etc.; or when powerful 
mental emotions, distress and languor depress 
vitality in such a degree as to prevent its lively 
re-action. Anything which accomplishes the latter, 
severe loss of blood, over-exertion, want of rest 
and sufficient nourishment, etc. will excite the 
primary fruor albus at once. 

The secondary or symptomatic leucorrhea is 
caused by the presence of other diseases in the 
system, such as pin- worms, polypi, scirrhous or 
cancerous degeneration, dislocations and prolapsus 
of the uterus, piles, want of cleanliness, etc., and 
usually disappears as soon as these disorders are 
removed or cured. 

The discharge itself differs as to quality, quan- 
tity and consistency ; if it proceeds from the vagina 
alone, it resembles thick cream and is not ropy ; 
while that from the uterus has the consistency of 
jelly, and adheres tenaciously wherever it lodges. 
The color varies ; sometimes it is whitish, milky, 
yellow, even greenish ; as to its acridity, it is mild 
or corroding ; the latter quality predominates 
mostly in the chronic form. 

The treatment of this disease is frequently very 
difficult, and should be conducted by a skillful 
physician. We can only mention a few remedies, 
useful to begin with, advising the reader to pay 
particular attention to the use of tepid water injec- 
tions, or frequent sitz-baths of tepid water, for the 



LEUCORRHEA. 301 



sake of cleanliness as well as supporting the cure 
of the primary form of leucorrhea. 

The treatment of the secondary form requires 
injections and sitz-baths of cool, even cold water, 
as the best means to restore the tone and strength 
of the relaxed parts involved in this disease ; the 
cure can also be promoted toward the end of the 
disease by the application of the wet bandage. 

The following are the principal remedies in the 
commencement of the treatment. 

Pulsatilla-. — Discharge thick, like cream, some- 
times creating an itching around the affected parts ; 
in young girls before menstruation, 

Sepia after the above remedy, if the discharge 
is yellowish, greenish, of a fetid odor and corrod- 
ing; constipation with frequent bearing down 
sensation. 

Cocculus. —Discharge of a reddish hue before 
and after menstruation, with colic and flatulency. 

Calcarea carb. — Whitish, corrosive discharge, 
even in children ; in adult females of a lymphatic 
constitution, light complexion, having copious and 
too frequent menstruation, attended with diarrhea, 
itching and burning in the private parts. 

Sulphur, in chronic cases of almost every kind, 
if the above remedies have failed to cure. 

Take four doses of a remedy on four consecu- 
tive evenings, then await the result for a week; at 
the expiration of which, if not better, select 



302 DISEASES OF GENERATIVE ORGANS. 

another remedy and take it in the same manner. 
The diet must be nourishing, bnt not flatulent; 
avoid the exciting causes of this disease, particu- 
larly exposures to cold and damp, luxurious living 
and late hours. 

DISEASES OF THE UTERUS. 

The womb may be rightly considered the center 
of the female sexual organs, on account of its loca- 
tion as well as of the importance attached to its 
functional activity, although as to the latter, the 
ovaries may claim an equally distinguished posi- 
tion. A great variety of diseases can occur in the 
uterus, either naturally from mal -formation, or 
acquired from constitutional or other causes. In 
some women this organ has been found wanting 
entirely, in others of too small a size. Cases are 
on record where its opening, the so-called mouth 
of the uterus appeared closed, and others, where 
no internal cavity at all existed, and the whole 
uterus formed one compact mass ; in a few in- 
stances the womb had increased in size throughout, 
or partially on one side only. All these abnor- 
mities, however, are very rarely found, and in- 
terest as such more the physician; they admit 
of but little remedial interference. 

But the abnormal conditions as to the position 
of the womb are of greater interest and practical 
value, because they occur so much more frequently, 



PROLAPSUS UTERI. 303 

and offer more or less in every case, a chance of 
cure by the proper medication. 

prolapsus uteri. {Falling of the Womb.) 
From the position the womb naturally occupies, 
hanging suspended on four ligaments in the mid- 
dle of the pelvic cavity, the reader can easily infer 
that it can change its position in all directions ; 
one of the most frequent consists in a sinking 
down, to a less or greater extent, into the lower 
part of the pelvic cavity, sometimes so far down 
as to protrude externally. An event of this kind 
must produce considerable derangement in the 
female organism. The most prominent symptoms 
of this disorder are fully described by Dr. Dewees, 
as follows: "The symptoms, characterizing this 
complaint will be modified by the greater or less 
descent of the uterus in the vagina : they will be 
intense in proportion to the extent of the displace- 
ment ; but in all there will be a sense of something 
sinking in the vagina, as if the perineum were 
sustaining an unusual weight; with a dragging 
sensation about the hips and loins ; a desire to 
make water, sometimes without the ability to do 
so ; or if it do pass, it is reluctantly, and often- 
times painfully hot— a sense of faintness, and 
occasionally a number of nervous or hysterical 
feelings and alarms, which almost overwhelm the 

patient. A pressure and feeling about the rectum, 
o 2 



304 DISEASES OF GENERATIVE ORGANS. 

resembling a slight tenesmus, sometimes impor- 
tunely demand the patient's attention, which, if 
she obey, almost always end in unavailing efforts. 
The pain in the back is sometimes extremely 
distressing while the patient is on her feet, and 
gives to her walk the appearance of weakness 
in her lower extremities. A benumbing sensation 
shoots down the thighs, especially when the wo- 
man first rises upon her feet ; or when she 
changes this position for a horizontal one. In 
some few instances, the woman is obliged to 
throw her body very much in advance ; or is ob- 
liged to support herself by placing her hands 
upon her thighs when she attempts to walk. 
But all these unpleasant symptoms subside almost 
immediately if she indulge in a recumbent pos- 
ture, and this circumstance pretty strongly de- 
signates the disease." 

However well marked the above symptoms are, 
particularly the one last mentioned, they are not 
sufficiently so to prevent mistakes from being made 
in its diagnosis. An examination of the parts 
involved should never be omitted, as without it 
we never can be positive in pronouncing the 
disease prolapsus uteri. Dr. Dewees relates a case 
of this kind. " I was consulted by a lady, who 
had long suffered almost every symptom recorded 
above ; I pronounced her disease to be a prolapsus 
of the uterus ; and without an examination per 



PROLAPSUS UTEKI. 305 

vaginam, had a pessary made for its support ; 
but, to my sad mortification, when I was about to 
apply it, a careful examination proved that no such 
condition existed, and that all the unpleasant 
symptoms had arisen from a thickening of the neck 
of the bladder." 

But not all practitioners avow frankly, like Dr. 
Dewees, their errors in this respect ; after once 
having pronounced a similar complaint to be 
falling of the womb, they rather persist in their 
opinion, even after having ascertained by actual 
examination that no prolapsus exists. In this 
manner falling of the womb has been multiplied 
in such a degree, that it may be counted now 
among the fashionable diseases, which any lady of 
standing or delicate feeling ought to have, at least 
a touch of it. While patients complain of symp- 
toms, similar to prolapsus, some physicians hastily 
and without examination pronounce them to indi- 
cate this latter disease, thereby forcing their reme- 
dial action into a direction, often detrimental to the 
welfare of their patients. We have seen women 
tormented for years under a treatment against 
prolapsus uteri by several physicians, who, one 
after another, had readily yielded to the incorrect 
diagnosis of the preceding one. All that time 
these patients had not the slightest real symptoms 
of prolapsus or dislocation ; they were afflicted 
with neuralgia, congestion, induration of the 
o 3 



306 DISEASES OF GENERATIVE ORGANS. 

womb, etc., diseases which scon were removed by 
a rational (homoeopathic) internal treatment.* 

Rheumatism of the uterus is a frequent cause 
of feelings resembling falling of the womb, and 
a practitioner should be very cautious in pro- 
nouncing the existence of a disease so dissimilar 
in its treatment from the former. 

Although a great many physicians yet adhere 
to the use of pessaries and abdominal supporters 
in the cure, of prolapsus uteri, we must confess 
that we have never, seen such good result as would 
induce us to persist in their use. Since we have 
become acquainted with the specific power of 
homoeopathic medicines and the tonic virtues of 
cold water in the form of a sitz-bath and wet ban- 
dage, we have discarded the use of pessaries and 
other supporters, almost entirely. 

* While writing the above, we see in an article on uterine 
displacements by Dr. Ramsay, in the Boston Medical Journal, 
similar complaints made as to the fictitious prevalence of pro- 
lapsus uteri ; which, according to the statement of that gentle- 
man, is far greater in the South than in other parts of the 
country. We can testify in some degree to the truth of this fact 
ourselves. Residing in Cincinnati, we had for a number of years 
frequent occasion to attend ladies from the South, the complaints 
of many of whom resembled greatly the symptoms attending 
prolapsus uteri. According to their statement they were suffering 
from prolapsus, having been told so repeatedly by their physi- 
cians ; yet, upon examination, not the slightest trace of such a 
disease could be detected. We are glad to see that this profes- 
sional error attracts the attention of those who best can correct it. 



PROLAPSUS UTEEI. 307 

In the commencement of a cure for this disease, 
the patient should remain in a lying posture for a 
length of time, also otherwise refrain from active ex- 
ercise as much as possible. The wet bandage, twice 
a day renewed, and frequent sitting-baths of short 
duration, will be of great benefit. We found the fol- 
lowing remedies the most beneficial in this disease. 
j Belladonna and sepia, alternately, every other 
morning a dose (six glob.,) until better, at least 
for one week ; during the next week the patient 
discontinues the medicine, but repeats the above 
prescription during the week following. 

These medicines are succeeded, if necessary, 
after six weeks, by calcarea carb., to be taken in 
the same manner. 

Sometimes, during the above treatment, a dose 

Hear Dr. Ramsay : " This prolapsus question has been a hobby 
for many a pretender to secure fame, and scores of women South 
have been injected per vaginam with sulph. zinc, nit. arg. et id 
emne genus, to their serious detriment, for the mal-position of an 
organ from which they never suffered. Any man, with a thim- 
bleful of brains, who will put himself to the trouble to examine 
the anatomical situation of the womb, will see at a glance, that 
the organ, in its normal and physiological condition, is not 
easily prolapsed, at least not with the facility once supposed. 
We admit real prolapsus is too common ; but at the same time 
we protest against referring every little uneasy sensation in 
the hypogastric region to uterine descension. It is high time 
we were awakening from this unprofitable and unmeaning slum- 
ber, with regard to female affections, etc. God speed the time 
for the benefit of our wives and daughters," 

o4 



308 DISEASES OF GENERATIVE ORGANS. 

of mux vom.) platina, opium, cocculus and ignatia 
may be found necessary, if the patient exhibits a 
good, deal of nervousness with constipation. 

All stimulating diet is strictly prohibited ; no 
coffee, no tea can be allowed ; but good nourishing 
food is beneficial. Other displacements of the 
womb may occur in various directions and degrees. 

The retroversion of the uterus, or that state 
wherein the womb is turned over backwards, 
occurs perhaps the most frequently, and produces 
many disturbances in the alvine and urinary dis- 
charges by actual pressure on the rectum and 
bladder, frequent hemorrhages from the womb, 
fluor albus and menstrual irregularities. 

The anteversion of the uterus presents a devia- 
tion in a direction opposite to the former, the 
fundus uteri inclining towards, or even resting on 
the bladder, the neck and mouth of the womb 
towards the rectum. A distress similar to the 
former is the consequence. 

In both cases, it becomes necessary to apply to 
a competent physician, who, after careful examina- 
tion will replace the parts, thus removing the 
pains and sufferings. An operation of this kind 
is not in the least painful or exposing, and should 
be submitted to by the patient very readily as the 
only means to correct the evil at once. 

During the course of these diseases follow the 
same hygienic rules as stated on preceding page. 



INFLAMMATION OF THE WOMB. 309 



INFLAMMATION OF THE WOMB. 

Before puberty congestion and inflammation of 
the womb very rarely occur, and after this period 
the greatest liability for their appearance takes 
place during menstruation, pregnancy and child- 
bed. At such times the womb is more predis- 
posed to be affected by morbific causes, which at 
other times would scarcely reflect on it injuriously. 
The symptoms of an inflamed womb vary very 
much as regards locality and the circumstances 
which have produced them. The pains usually 
are burning, boring, stinging, pulsating, extending 
upwards into the abdomen and downwards to the 
thighs, with occasional intermissions. Accompa- 
nying these pains there is a sensation of heat and 
weight in the pelvic region, indicating mostly that 
part of the womb which is inflamed. The func- 
tion of the uterus is more or less disturbed ; either 
the menses have ceased or flow too readily ; during 
pregnancy an early miscarriage, or during child- 
bed a cessation of the lochia can be the conse- 
quence. Besides, there is present a greater or less 
degree of fever, preceded by chilliness, headache, 
and other concomitants of febrile re-action, even 
delirium. 

In a disease of this kind the attendance of a 
physician is indispensable ; yet the early applica- 
tion of the following remedies may prevent greatly 
o5 



310 DISEASES OF GENERATIVE ORGANS. 

the rapid progress of the disease, and promote its 
quick resolution. 

Aconite and belladonna^ dissolved in water, 
each one separately, in half a teacupful of water, 
alternately every two or three hours a teaspoonful, 
until better, will be generally sufficient to dispel 
the most severe symptoms. 

In connection with the above a sitz-bath of ten 
minutes duration will be beneficial. The diet 
must be light, nothing but water-gruel and dry 
toast. 

IRRITABLE UTERUS. 

(Rheumatism and Neuralgia of the Womb.) 

We have had occasion to speak of these com- 
plaints in connection with after-pains and other 
disorders of the lying-in. But they frequently 
appear idiopathic without being caused by, or com- 
plicated with any other disease. The most charac- 
teristic symptom of all of them is a pain, the seat 
and direction of which varies as it now proceeds from 
the small of the back and the lumbar region, now 
starts from the front part of the pelvis and radiates 
in all directions. The pain is mostly lancinating, 
boring, burning, tearing and heating. Dr. Dewees, 
who calls one species of this disease "irritable 
uterus," speaks of its local manifestation as fol- 
lows: "Sometimes the patient represents the 
parts as being a little swelled ; but this we believe 
is always transient. Walking, riding or indeed 



IRRITABLE UTERUS. 311 

any kind of exertion, is sure to be accompanied 
or followed by severe lancinating pains within the 
pelvic cavity, especially from near, or in the course 
of, the urethra, to about the centre of the sacrum ; 
and when the severity of the pain has abated, it 
subsides into a permanent dull pain in the same 
direction, but more diffused. " The fact of the 
pains being increased by motion, erect position, 
and its abatement by a recumbent one, has given 
rise to an erroneous diagnosis, by mistaking this 
disease for falling of the womb. Yet a careful 
examination per vaginam, will convince us that, 
though the uterus is found to be lower in the 
vagina than common, it is not prolapsed or other- 
wise seriously displaced; but its neck is very 
sensible to the touch, somewhat shortened, because 
enlarged, and the mouth of the uterus more closed 
than in a natural state : the vagina itself feels hot 
and swollen. 

The course of this disease is more chronic than 
acute, and involves more or less all the uterine 
functions. It appears mostly in paroxysms, 
brought on by certain exciting causes, such as 
erect position, over-exertion, conjugal connec- 
tions, powerful mental emotions, even faults in 
diet; sometimes the most extreme point of the 
spine becomes so tender as to prevent the patients 
from sitting any length of time. To give the 
reader an idea about the varietv of causes which 

06 



312 DISEASES OF GENERATIVE ORGANS. 

may produce this disease, we insert here only a 
few of those which are related by Dr. Goosh. 
"In one patient it came on after an enormous 
walk during a menstrual period; in another, it 
was occasioned by the patient's going shooting 
with her husband not many days after an abortion ; 
in a third it came on after standing for several 
hours many successive nights at concerts and 
parties ; in a fourth, it originated in a journey in 
a rough carriage over the paved roads of France ; 
in a fifth it was attributed either to cold or an 
astringent lotion, by which a profuse lochia was 
suddenly stopped, followed by intense pain in the 
uterus; in a sixth, it occurred soon after, and 
apparently in consequence of matrimony." 

The treatment of these disorders should be 
conducted by a skillful physician. Before his 
attendance, an effort may be made to diminish the 
congestive tendency to the neck of the womb by 
giving belladonna and sepia alternately, every four 
days a dose (six glob.,) until better, in connection 
with tepid injections in the vagina, and tepid sitz- 
baths. During this time the patient should 
abstain from meat and other stimulating diet, 
keeping as quiet as possible. 

POLYPUS OF THE UTERUS. 

Polypi are indolent tumors, resembling fleshy 
or fungous tumors growing on the inner surfaces of 



POLYPUS OF THE UTERUS. 313 

cavities, for instance, the nose or uterus, where 
they root either with a broad basis or a narrow 
neck. They are sometimes very vascular and 
bleed readily on the slightest touch ; for this reason 
their presence in the womb becomes very danger- 
ous, particularly if they are of that kind which 
adhere, with a broad basis to its walls. As they 
grow, increasing in size and length, the uterus has 
to extend also, until it becomes stimulated to expel 
them, which is done in a manner similar to that 
during an abortion. The danger in such cases is 
very great, as inversion of the uterus may take 
place, which, in itself, constitutes a serious dis- 
order. 

Polypi of the uterus are met with as often 
among single as married women ; frequent hemor- 
rhages of the former, therefore, should lead us 
just as well to suspect the presence of a polypus 
of the womb, as it would do in the latter. The 
author observed a case of this kind in a girl of 
seventeen years, who, after having suffered for a 
considerable length of time, from oft repeated 
uterine hemorrhage, resisting the most varied 
treatment, was suspected by him to have a polypus 
of the uterus ; upon examination its presence was 
verified, and the ligature soon restored the poor 
girl to health and happiness. If the polypus is 
very large, the ligature which the surgeon fastens 
around its neck, cannot at once cut its stem 



314 DISEASES OF GENERATIVE ORGANS. 

through ; it has to be done gradually, which some- 
times lasts a week or more. In one instance which 
came under my notice, the polypus, seven inches 
long by one and a half inches in diameter, was 
separated from its stem after ten days application 
of the ligature. During this time the profuse 
sloughing process required great cleanliness and 
absolute repose on the part of the patient, to pre- 
vent a slow fever which might have been created 
by the absorption of the sanious liquid and the 
hemorrhage in consequence of the extensive lesion. 
The most nourishing diet has to be chosen, such 
as oysters, poultry, eggs, soups of meat, etc. ; if 
putrid fever sets in, acidulated drinks must be 
given. As regards remedies in this stage of the 
operation, china, carbo. veg., veratrum, arsenicum, 
lachesis, are the most beneficial. 

The application of the ligature is perhaps the 
quickest and best method to extirpate polypi wher- 
ever they may be located, if they only can be reached 
by it. Where they are thus not accessible, the 
Author has found the oft repeated application of a 
saturated tincture of opium on the polypus with a 
sponge, together with the internal use of calcarea 
carb., third potency, every four days one dose (ten 
or twelve glob.,) the most successful method; he 
has thus cured polypi which could not be reached 
by the ligature. Although the process is a tedious 
one, yet it is after all gratifying to witness the 



SCTRRHUS AND CANCER OF THE WOMB. 315 

removal of tumors which had resisted methods oth- 
erwise more expeditious, but wholly inapplicable. 
It is unnecessary here for me to state that a 
disease of this kind requires the assistance of a 
skillful physician and the greatest willingness and 
patience of the sufferer while under his care. 

SCIRRHUS AND CANCER OF THE WOMB. 

To avoid the confusion and uncertainty which 
may arise in the mind of the reader by reciting the 
legion of premonitory symptoms appearing in ad- 
vance of the above dreadful diseases, we will relate 
only the most important one which indicates the 
presence of the above disease more surely than any 
other symptom. A woman experiencing from time 
to time sudden lancinating ', darting pains through 
the uterine region, should at once be on her guard 
and confide her case to an experienced physician. 
In most instances (this has been at least the au- 
thor's experience,) in that early stage, the disease 
has not progressed far enough to be beyond the 
reach of judicious medication ; the real open cancer 
has not at that time formed ; there is, however, a 
cancerous tumor or induration in the neck of the 
womb, called scirrhus. This, if not resolved by 
proper medication, soon becomes a real cancerous 
ulcer, which in most cases terminates fatally. 

The treatment of an open cancer must be left 
entirely to the directions of a physician, who, 



316 DISEASES OE GENERATIVE ORGANS. 

though not perhaps successful in curing the case, 
will be able, in most instances, of affording great 
relief. 

In scirrhous affections of the womb, belladonna 
seems to be the most reliable, particularly if con- 
gestion to different parts of the system are present. 
Conium is generally the next remedy to be applied ; 
after which carbo veg., sepia and sulphur may be 
given in intervals of one or two weeks, if no 
amendment takes place. 

Again let us entreat the reader to apply for 
medical aid as soon as the most important symp- 
tom which precedes these dangerous complaints, 
namely, the sudden darting stitches in the uterine 
region, make their appearance. 

ULCERATION OF THE WOMB. 

An ulcer is usually the result of previous con- 
gestion and inflammation, which, not having been 
resolved in the proper, manner excite indurations 
in the parts affected, in consequence of which sup- 
puration sets in. The mouth and neck of the 
womb are more liable to this species of affection 
than any other part of the uterus. It is very dif- 
ficult to distinguish this form of disease from cancer 
of the womb. But the absence of the lancinating 
pains not often found in an ulcerated uterus, but 
always present in cancer of the womb, makes the 
diagnosis sure. Generally but very few painful 



DKOPSY OF THE WOMB. 317 

symptoms attend uterine ulcers, and their pres- 
ence is frequently not detected except by an ocular 
examination through the speculum, which, in such 
cases, should always be instituted by the physician 
in charge of the patient. 

There is always more or less discharge attend- 
ing an ulceration of the womb; it varies in 
quantity, is mostly sanious and purulent in cha- 
racter, sometimes offensive and mixed with blood, 
thus differing materially from a common fluor albus. 

The treatment of this disease is less difficult 
than other uterine disorders, the ulcers healing 
readily under the judicious treatment of a skillful 
physician. 

In the beginning belladonna and sepia in alter- 
nation, every eight days a dose (six glob.,) are of 
great benefit to reduce the congestion and swelling 
of the parts affected. Afterwards the local appli- 
cation of kreosot and calendula becomes necessary, 
if the above remedies have not been successful. 
Thuja also, in injections, is highly recommended. 
Frequent injections of tepid water and the use of 
the hip bath, will accelerate the cure. 

DROPSY OF THE WOMB. 

At first sight it seems strange that an organ like 
the womb, having an aperture designed for the 
exit of menstrual blood, should be liable to secrete 
and retain water in such a quantity as to cause an 



318 DISEASES OF GENERATIVE ORGANS. 

enlargement sufficient to produce suspicion of 
pregnancy. Yet this often occurs, when, by some 
morbid process, the mouth of the uterus has been 
closed sufficiently to prevent the escape of the fluid, 
secreted within the womb, 

Such a closure may be the result of accident, 
swelling, induration or adhesive inflammation, as 
is produced sometimes after a severe birth. The 
cause of the watery secretion itself in the cavity of 
the uterus, is not, as yet, well understood; the 
disease is said to be more frequent in women of a 
delicate, weak constitution, who have had many 
children ; it also occurs more frequently under de- 
bilitating circumstances, after great fatigue, loss of 
blood, sedentary life, mental and bodily depressions. 

The symptoms indicating dropsy of the womb 
present many of the signs of pregnancy, with this 
difference, that persons afflicted with it enlarge 
faster than during pregnancy, and that from time 
to time water escapes from the womb, either slowly 
or in gushes. This latter may also be the case 
during real pregnancy, and if so, the water had 
been collected within the membranes of the child, 
a form of dropsy already mentioned in the chap- 
ter on the disorders of pregnancy. 

When the dropsy exists independent of a gravid 
uterus, the water may be let out by a catheter or 
a similar instrument; but even in that instance, 
though the patient be relieved at once, an internal 



INFLAMMATION OF THE OVAEIES. 319 

treatment must follow, by which a renewal of the 
secretion is prevented. This is mostly accom- 
plished by the exhibition of arsenicum and sulphur, 
every week two doses of each, for four weeks. 

If not better graphites should be administered, 
every week one dose (six glob.,) for six weeks. 

The counsel of a skillful physician should be 
had as soon as possible ; although not absolutely 
dangerous, this disease being the result of consti- 
tutional ailments, requires skill and perseverance 
to overcome it successfully. 

m2 

inflammation of the ovaries. 

In previous chapters, we have seen the impor- 
tant position which the ovaries occupy among the 
sexual organs ; in them the first impulse starts for 
the development of all the other organs necessary 
to foetal generation and growth. Consequently, a 
disease in these small bodies must be of the high- 
est importance, and its cure should engage our full 
attention. 

The ovaries are subject to many and serious 
derangements ; one of the most frequent is inflam- 
mation, the result of congestion to these organs 
during sexual excitement, voluptuous imagination, 
disappointed hopes, etc., or caused directly by ex- 
posure to cold, suppression of the menses, external 
injuries, translation of rheumatism or gout from 
other places of the system, etc. 



320 DISEASES OF GENERATIVE ORGANS. 

Its symptoms, although very characteristic, 
sometimes have been mistaken for inflammation of 
the womb. While the pain of the latter is more 
confined to the middle region of the abdomen, the 
pain in the former is found on one or the other 
side, just above the groins, where, on pressure, 
sometimes an enlargement may be discovered very 
painful to the touch. This is the ovarium swol- 
len and tender, affected in a similar manner, as it 
is sometimes the case with the glands on the neck. 

If the inflammation is an acute one, the fever 
present usually runs very high, connected with 
nausea, vomiting, strangury or a difficult voiding 
of scanty, high-colored urine; the thigh of the 
affected side generally feels numb, and the pains 
are increased by the patient suddenly rising up. 

If the inflammation has assumed the chronic 
character, the above symptoms are present, but 
less severe. The fever, particularly, is at first 
very slight; the symptoms most obvious to the 
patient, are, perhaps, the stiffness and pain on 
moving the leg of the affected side, and a feeling 
of weight in the diseased region. 

In either form, the inflammation of this organ 
requires immediate attention, as a neglect would 
produce the most disastrous consequences, such as 
suppuration, induration, watery effusions, etc., 
after diseases which may terminate fatally, and if 
not, must at least produce sterility. 






INFLAMMATION OF THE OVARIES. 321 

It is highly important to procure, forthwith, the 
proper medical aid. 

Before this can be had, the following remedies 
may be given. Aconite in alternation with bella- 
donna, every hour a dose (four glob.) This 
treatment frequently mitigates the symptoms in 
such a degree, that in a few hours all traces of the 
disease have disappeared. 

The above remedies may be followed by bryo- 
nia if the disease is the result of a suppression 
of the menses ; the same in alternation with 
rhus if cold or rheumatic disorders were the 
cause of it; in the latter case, give alternately 
every two hours a dose (four glob.) 

Cantharides will be indicated when the disease 
is complicated with strangury or difficulty of void- 
ing the urine, 

Arsenicum, if the patient is very restless • should 
this remedy fail to relieve, the alternate use of 
camphor and coffea for a few hours, every fifteen 
minutes a dose (four glob.,) will quiet the most 
intense agony. 

Conium, if the menses are suppressed, with 
severe semi-lateral headache, debility, blue circles 
around the eyes, variable appetite, nausea, swell- 
ing of the left ovary, with constant numb aching, 
contusive pain, and occasionally at night, par- 
oxysms of severe sharp pains in the left side. 

Tepid hip-baths will be of great assistance, 



322 DISEASES OF SEXUAL DEVELOPMENT. 

and if the inflammation, with fever, has risen to 
a very high degree, we may even be allowed to 
use the cold hip-bath, putting, at the same time, 
cold compresses on the head and covering well 
the other parts. The patient may remain in the 
bath from twenty-five to thirty minutes. After 
rubbing dry, a wet bandage should be applied 
around the parts affected, after which she should 
be put to bed, well covered. This treatment is 
particularly beneficial in that form complicated 
with retention of urine. 

The diet should be light as in all inflammatory 
fevers ; if thirsty, lemonade, water and crust-water 
are the best drinks. 

OVARIAN DROPSY. 

The ovaries are frequently liable to a degene- 
ration of this kind. The water is contained within 
a sack or cyst, which has been formed by the en- 
largement of one of the ovarian vesicles. These 
tumors, filled with water, sometimes grow to an 
enormous size ; their treatment must be left entirely 
to the physician, who should be in early attendance 
when it is yet possible to arrest their growth. 

DISEASES OF THE BREASTS. 

The breasts or mammary glands, forming a part, 
as it were, of the organs of generation, are in- 
volved more or less in all their changes during 



DISEASES OF THE BREASTS. 323 

health or disease. This becomes particularly evi- 
dent after delivery, when the breasts appear most 
prominently occupied in the secretion of that fluid 
which is indispensable for the maintenance of the 
offspring. It is during the performance of this 
important office, that the breasts more than at any 
other time, are liable to disease. 

We have already, on page 280, mentioned the 
inflammation of these organs, known under the 
name of ague in the breast, and the swelling and 
suppuration which sometimes follows it. The 
reader will there find, also, the treatment laid down 
which we have found to act as the most beneficial 
during a large course of practice. 

We will add, here, a few remarks about other 
morbid peculiarities of the breasts which may excite 
the interest of the reader. There have been ob- 
served several cases of a total deficiency of the 
breasts, occuring always in connection with atro- 
phy of the ovaries and uterus. Sometimes we meet 
with very small breasts and with such as have 
diminished in size after they had been once devel- 
oped ; these are called atrophic breasts. 

Still other instances are recorded where women 
possessed more than two breasts, or more than one 
nipple on each breast. In some cases the irregular 
breasts were located on the thorax, like the regular 
breasts ; in others they occupied a place on the 
abdomen or in the groins. 



324 DISEASES OF GENERATIVE ORGANS. 

Again, an hypertrophy or faulty enlargement 
of the breasts, is frequently observed, sometimes 
to such an extent as to border on a monstrosity ; 
they have been found to measure forty-two inches 
in circumference, weighing twenty pounds. 

Swellings of the breasts, different from perma- 
nent enlargement, frequently occur in consequence 
of lacteal disturbances and constitutional dyscra- 
sies. Indurations of this kind have no malignant 
character. 

It is quite different, however, with that hard 
tumor known as scirrhus, which is the forerunner 
of one of the most dreadful diseases, the cancer 
of the breast. We refer the reader to what we 
have said on page 315, about these diseases when 
located in the womb. The same remarks there, 
will apply to the scirrhus and cancer of the breasts. 
The scirrhus has been frequently cured when reme- 
dies were applied early ; but an open cancer of the 
breast, as yet, belongs to the incurable diseases, 
although the palliation of its sufferings is within 
our reach. 



CHAPTER III, 



DISEASES OF NERVOUS FUNCTION, 

There are but few diseases located in the nervous 
system, which belong, exclusively, to the female 
sex. The nervous complaints of the head^ breast 
and other organs, such as nervous headache, spas- 
modic asthma, etc., which frequently can be traced 
to female peculiarities, do not constitute separate 
forms of disease, but being attributable to one and 
the same cause, are treated of together under one 
name. 

HYSTEEIA. 

Our readers are perhaps aware that years ago 
hysteria or vapours (mostly known under this 
name in France) were quite fashionable. Ladies 
in high life at the European courts had nothing 
wherewith to kill the tedium of an otherwise task- 
less existence. To create variety and sustain 
intrigues, the hysterical fit, with its Protean cha- 
racter, offered the readiest and best means which, in 
the boudoir, saloon or promenade, could change, at 
once the scene from comedy to tragedy, and convert 



328 DISEASES OF NERVOUS FUNCTION. 

mirth into tears, wit into sympathy. This time 
has passed ; the storms of revolutions have dis- 
pelled the sentimentalities of the age, and with 
them the supreme reign of hysterics and vapours 
in the female world. 

At the present day, even the name has become 
obsolete and obnoxious to the fair sex. They dis- 
like extremely to be told that they have the hys- 
terics ; they have nothing against it, however, to 
be nervous, which essentially means the same 
thing. We continue to use here, the name hys- 
teria, because it is more significant of its origin. 

The word hysteria is derived from the Greek, 
signifying the womb, because this disease was con- 
sidered to be in close connection with the sexual 
peculiarities of the female. Upon the whole the 
correctness of this idea must be acknowledged, 
although different opinions are held, as yet, in 
regard to the primary cause of this complaint. Dr. 
Meigs gives his views as follows : 

"The causes of hysteria are to be found in a 
great variety of conditions, both of internal and 
external origin ; among them may be named a 
highly nervous and sanguine temperament, the 
pathological propensities of which are promoted by 
a sedentary life and luxurious living, hot rooms, 
hot beds, highly stimulating food, the use of wine, 
of aromatics ; a mind ill regulated, indulged, intol- 
erant of control, highly impressible. In such an 



HYSTERIA. 327 



individual, any abnormal degree of excitement 
that might serve to add to the purely physiological 
action of the reproductive organs, you could well 
deem sufficient to send its aura forth upon its mis- 
sion of mischief throughout the entire economy." 

Hysteria may be considered as a chronic disease, 
appearing from time to time in paroxysms. These 
latter are very irregular as to their characteristic 
symptoms, their intensity and exciting causes. 
Sometimes they occur at once without any appa- 
rent cause, or at least but a slight one, not pro- 
portionate to the effect produced, at other times 
exciting causes of the severest kind, must operate 
on the system for a length of time before a hys- 
terical fit is produced. 

To the unpracticed eye, the diagnosis of hys- 
teria is rather difficult ; but a careful observation 
of the pulse, the movements of which are not 
under the voluntary control of the patient, soon 
leads us to distinguish between severe forms of 
diseases and their hysterical counterfeits. 

An hysterical attack usually commences by a 
feeling of tightness and fulness in the abdomen, 
which, rolling upwards like a ball, (globus hysteri- 
cus^) produces, after it has reached the throat, a 
distressing sensation of choking and suffocation, 
followed by various efforts of the patient of reliev- 
ing herself from the smothering and pressure, by 
eructations of wind, throwing around her arms, 
pi 



328 DISEASES OF NERVOUS FUNCTION. 

gasping for breath, etc ; finally, pale and exhausted, 
she sinks down, unconscious, falling into spasms, 
apparently very violent, because the convulsive 
movements of the limbs and trunk are sometimes 
really frightful, and the spasms of the respiratory 
muscles in the highest degree alarming. But they 
soon cease; and the patient, having become tran- 
quil, lies feeble and exhausted for some time, in a 
half sleepy state until she feels perfectly well again, 
or goes off into another spasm. If such paroxysms 
repeat often, one after the other, they resemble 
epileptic fits ; in such cases, the history of the pa- 
tient must guide us in our diagnosis. Moreover, 
in epilepsy the patients have all the symptoms of 
congestion to the brain, face red and bloated, 
features contorted, foam at the mouth, thumbs 
clasped in the palm of the hand, etc., symptoms 
which are seldom present in an hysterical fit. 

A succession of these spasms may finally ex- 
haust the whole system to such a degree that the 
patient sinks into a state of insensibility ; the heart 
apparently ceases to beat, respiration becomes im- 
perceptible and a general collapse of functional 
vitality takes place. As this state of apparent 
death sometimes has lasted for weeks without 
destroying the life of the patient, we should not 
cease to watch the patient, applying restoratives, 
until real signs of death have appeared or resusci- 
tation takes place. 



HYSTERIA. 329 

Hysteria, however, not always appears in the 
formidable form above described ; it has various 
degrees of intensity, sometimes expressing itself 
only in crying, without a known cause, in unusual 
hilarity, laughter, excited conversation, etc. Dr. 
Meighs draws the following graphic picture of the 
versatile nature of hysteria : 

" The hysterical woman, like the highly electri- 
fied thunder cloud, requires but the point to draw 
the flash. She sits, like Tarn O'Shanter's wife, 

" Gathering her brows, like gathering storm, 
Nursing her wrath to keep it warm." 

when, suddenly, and unexpectedly, some word, 
sign or gesture, gives the occasion ; and we have 
reproaches, tears, screaming, laughter, sobs, wring- 
ing of hands, tearing of hair, clonic convulsions, 
tonic spasms, stertor, smiles like a May morning, 
loud laughter again, floods of tears and then a 
gradual return to a state of gentle composure, 
wherein the tenderest affections of the human 
heart come to resume, with unusual supremacy, 
their wonted sway over the soul." 

During a fit of hysterical passion, it is all-im- 
important, not to cross the patient in her expres- 
sions, or to heighten her distress by opposing 
arguments ; it is of no use, but can do a great deal 
of harm. If she should fall into a spasm, she 
should be 1 aid on a couch or bed, her clothes loos- 
ened on the parts where they may be tight around 
p2 



330 DISEASES OF NERVOUS FUNCTION. 

her, fresh cool air should be admitted into the 
room, and cold water sprinkled into her face ; if 
the latter looks red and bloated, cold water may 
be poured on it from a height, or ice laid on the 
top of it, at the same time that her feet are put in 
a hot bath ; if the face looks pale, this treatment 
is not necessary. Until the proper medicine can be 
procured, a camphor bottle may be held under her 
nose from time to time which frequently arrests 
the spasms at once. 

As sudden mental emotions are the most fre- 
quent causes of hysterical fits the latter will be 
controlled by the remedies indicated for these va- 
rious conditions of the mind. If caused by 

Excessive joy : Coffea, opium. 

Fright or fear : Opium, aconite, hellad., igna. 

Anger, violent : Chamomile, bryonia, nux vom. 

Anger, suppressed : Ignatia. 

Grief: Ignatia, phosphor, acid, staph., coloc. 

Home Sickness : Phosphor, acid, mercury, cap- 
sicum, staph. 

Unhappy Love : Ilyoscyam., ignatia, pJwsphor. 
acid. 

Jelousy : Hyoscyam., lachesis, nux vom. 

Mortification and Insult : Bellad.,ignat.,pla- 
tina, coloc, staph., puis. 

Contradiction and Chagrin : Chamom., bryo., 
ignai., coloc, aconite, nux vom.,platina y staph. 

Indignation : Coloc, staphysagria. 



HYSTERIA. 331 



Give of the medicine selected, four globules, 
dry "on the tongue, every fifteen or thirty minutes, 
or dissolve twelve globules in half a teacupful of 
water and give a teaspoonful in the same inter- 
vals; after the attack, lengthen the intervals to 
three, six and eight hours, until the patient is 
relieved. 

Of the above remedies coffea, ignatia,pulsatilla, 
and aconite will be the most suitable in almost 
any hysterical fi't while it lasts. To prevent its 
return, however, medicines should be given which 
are able to remove the hysterical constitution. 
This can only be done by a careful treatment insti- 
tuted by a skillful physician. Among the remedies 
for this purpose the following are the most impor- 
tant: natrum miir., calcarea carb., sepia, sulphur. 

They may be taken in their order, each one 
for six weeks, every week a dose (six glob.) 

During this time the patient should keep a 
strict diet, abstain from coffee, tea and all spicy 
substances, and if possible, should have recourse 
to all the strengthening appliances of the water- 
cure, such as frequent sponging-baths, sitting- 
baths, etc. If constipation is present, injections 
of cold water and the wet sheet around the abdo- 
men; if inclined to congestive headache, cold 
foot-baths are recommended. The patient must 
take exercise in the open air after a cold bath, in 
order to promote the necessary re-action. 



p3 



332 DISEASES OF NERVOUS FUNCTION. m 

As already stated, hysterical paroxysms have, of 
late years, diminished in frequency and intensity; 
they, indeed, very seldom occur at present ; and if 
they do, it is under circumstances, extraordinary 
and so severe that the attendance of a physician 
is at once required. As to the causes which have 
led to this singular phenomenon, the opinions of 
the writers vary. Dr. Dewees remarks: "It 
would be difficult to point out the causes of the 
diminution of this disease within the last thirty 
years in this city, though the fact is certain, so 
far at least as we can rely upon our own observa- 
tions. Have the temperaments most liable to this 
disease been changed by either physical or moral 
causes ? Certain it is, that at present we are 
rarely called upon to attend in an hysterical par- 
oxysm, whereas formerly such calls were fre- 
quent." Perhaps the most potent agency having 
a tendency to diminish the hysterical diathesis, 
may be found in the fact that our present times 
exhibit less sickly sentimentality but more health- 
ful activity and more sound utilitarian views, in 
all departments of life, than any former age. 



INDEX. 



Abortion, 234 

Abnormal erotic sentiment,_200 
Absence of " " 204 
Acid stomach during preg- 
nancy, 222 

After-birth, 256 

After-pains, 260 

Ague in the breast, 280 

Anteversion of the womb, 308 

Apparent death of the in- 
fant, 254 

Appetite, derangement of __21 5 

Asphyxia of the infant, 254 

Asthma, __228 

Blood, spitting of ___228 

Breast, gathered .280 

" ague in the 280 

" abcessofthe _282 

" diseases of the.^ 322 

Cancer of the womb 315 

Cessation of the menses, 199 

Change of life, 199 

Character of woman, physi- 
cal, 21 

Character of woman, moral 

and intellectual, 31 

Child's water, .__ 251 

Childbed fever, 268 

Childbed, mania in 272 

" melancholia in 272 

Childhood, 61 

Chloroform, use of 153 

Chlorosis, 182 

Colic, menstrual 197 

Colic-pains during preg- 
nancy, 223 

Color, changed, of milk, 286 

Congestion during pregnan- 
cy, 206 



Congestion of the head, 229 

of the liver, £27 

of the lungs, 228 

Confinement, 261 

Constipation during preg- 
nancy, „_,._221 

Convulsions, puerperal, 232 

Cough, hacking 229 

Cramps in legs, back and 

stomach, 223 

Crusade, moral 159 

Crying, spasmodic 231 

Delivery, 253 

Depression of spirits during 

pregnancy, 230 

Derangement of appetite, 215 

Destiny of woman, 43 

Deterioration of milk, 283 

Diarrhea during pregnancy, 219 
" preceding labor, __ 24 1 

Diet during confinement, 263 

Difficulty of swallowing___222 

Diseases of women, 179 

" of generative organs,_292 
Diseases of sexual develop- 
ment, 181 

Diseases of nervous func- 
tion, _325 

Diseases of the vagina, 297 

of the uterus, 302 

Dislocation of the womb, 308 

Displacement " " 308 
Dropsy " " 317 
Dyspepsia during pregnan- 
cy, ___,. 222 

Dropsy, ovarian, 322 

Dysury during pregnancy, _224 

Eclampsia gravidarum, 232 

Education, finished 103 



Education, physical 62 

" intellectual 73 

Egg-beds, 89 

Elopement 100 

Erotic sentiment, abnormal_200 
" " absence of 204 

Etlier, use of 153 

Exercise, 71 

External parts, inflamma- 
tion of 293 

External parts, wounds on__294 

Fainting, 230 

Falling of the womb, 303 

Fashion, 111 

Feet, swelling of 213 

Fever, childbed 268 

" during pregnancv,__206 

milk- 1 279 

Flooding, 193-195 

" after parturi- 
tion, 258--. 59 

Fluor Albus, 298 

Foetus, development of 147 

Generative organs,diseases of 292 

Girl, 53 

Green sickness, 182 

Gymnastics, 71 

Hacking cough, 229 

Head-ache, 230 

Head, congestion of the 229 

Heart-burn during pregnan- 
cy, £22 

Heart, palpitation of 228 

Hemorrhage during parturi- 
tion, 258 

Hemorrhage during preg- 
nancy. 209 

Hemorrhoids during preg- 
nancy, 210 

Hymen, imperf oration of the 292 

Hysteria, 325 

Icterus, 225 

Imperforation of ihe hymen, 292 

Incontinence of urine, 225 

Infancy, _53 

Infant, apparent death .of 

the 254 

Infant schools, 71 

Inflammation of external 
parts, 293^ 



Inflammation of the ovaries 319 
of the worn h__ 309 

Intellectual faculties, 37 

Introduction, 13 

Irritability of the womb, 310 

Ischury during pregnancy,_224 
Itching of the private parts, 295 

Jaundice, 225 

Labia, oedematous swelling 

of the 294 

Labor, 243 

" natural, preternatural 244 
" too sudden termina- 
tion of 245 

Labor, protracted 246 

" sudden cessation of__247 

" excessively painful 250 

" commencement of 242 

Labor -pains, spurious or 

false, 248 

Laughter, spasmodic 231 

Leucorrhea, 298 

Limbs, swelling of 213 

Liver, congestion of 227 

Lochial discharge, 264 

Lochia, . 264 

" supression of 266 

" excessive and pro- 
tracted 267 

Lochia, offensive, sanious__267 

Lungs, congestion of 228 

Maiden 84 

Maiden lady, 120 

Mania in childbed, 272 

Marks, 147 

Marriage, second 165 

Married ladv, 132 

Matron, 169 

Menses, cessation of the 199 

MenstruaLcolic, 197 

Menstruation, appearance of 84 
" abnormal ap- 
pearance of 186 

Menstruation tardy, . 1 87 

" suppressed, 190 

" too copious 193 

" too long dura- 
tion of 196 

Menstruation too late and 
scanty, 196 



INDEX. 



335 



Menstruation, deviation of__l96 
too difficult, 

painful, 197 

Menstruation, cessation of 

the 199 

Milk, deterioration of 283 

'* changed color of 286 

" changed quality of 286 

" suppressed secretion of 287 
" excessive secretion of-288 

" deficiency of. 289 

Milk fever, 279 

Milk leg, 270 

Miscarriage,' 234 

Monthly period, appearance 

of 84 

Moral and intellectual cha- 
racter of woman, 31 

Moral sentiments, 34 

Mother, duties of a 154 

Music, __' 107 

Nausea during pregnancy __2 17 

Navel, pouting out of the 151 

Nervous function, diseases 

of 325 

Neuralgic pains, 230 

Nervousness, 325 

Neuralgia of the womb, 310 

Nipples, soreness of 290 

Nursing, 273 

" diet during 278 

Ovarian dropsy 322 

Ovaries, 89 

" inflammation of 319 

Ovule, fecundated 146 

Pain in the right side, 227 

Pains,neuralgic during preg- 
nancy, 230 

Palpitation of the heart, 228 

Parturition, 240 

Phlegmasia alba dolens, 270 

Physical character of wo- 
man, 21 

Piles during pregnancy, 211 

Plethora during pregnancy,_206 

Pleurisy, 228 

Poly pus of the womb, 312 

Pregnancy, 206 

" signs of 144 

Private parts, itching of the_295 



Prolapsus of the womb, 303 

uteri, 303 

Pruritus, 295 

Puberty, abnormal appear- 
ance of 181 

Puerperal convulsions, 232 

Quality, changed, of milk,_286 

Quickening. _^ 145-150 

Recapitulation, 175 

Retroversion of the womb,__308 
Rheumatism of the Womb,__310 

Right side, pain in the 227 

Sabbath schools, 128 

Salivation during pregnan- • 

cy, 214 

Scirrhus of the womb, 315 

Secretion, suppressed, 

of milk, ____287 

Secretion, excessive, of milk, 288 
Sexual development, diseas- 
es of 181 

Show, 242 

Signs of pregnancy, 144 

Sleeplessness during preg- 
nancy, 230 

Sneezing, spasmodic 231 

Societies, benevolent 127 

Sore nipples, 290 

Spasmodic, laughter, crying, 
sobbing, sneezing, yawn- 
ing, 231 

Spasmodic pains during 

pregnancy, 223 

Spitting of blood, 228 

Sterility, ._ 205 

Stomach, acidity of the 222 

Stroma, .89 

Strangury during pregnan- 
cy, 224 

Swallowing, difficulty of 222 

Swelling, oedematous, of the 

labia 294 

Swelling of the feet 213 

limbs 213 

Tooth-ache during pregnan- 
cy 214 

Ulceration of the womb 316 

Urination, painful, difficult 

and interrupted, 224 

Urination, involuntary 225 



336 



INDEX. 



Urine, incontinence of 225 

Uterus, diseases of the 302 

prolapsus of the 303 

anteversion of the__ 308 
retroversion of the_,308 
inflammation of the 309 

irritable 310 

Rheumatism of the_3l0 

neuralgia of the 310 

polypus of the 312 

scirrhus of the 315 

cancer of the 315 

ulceration of the 316 

dropsy of the 317 

Vaccination, 61 

Vagina, diseases of the 297 



Vagina, prolapsus of the 297 

Varicose veins, 212 

Veins, varicose 212 

Vertigo 229 

Vomiting during pregnancy, 217 

Waters, the __251 

Whites, _298 

Widow, 161 

Woman's physical character,_21 
" moral and intellec- . 
tual character, 31 

Woman's destiny, 43 

Womb, see Uterus, 

Wounds on external parts, __294 

Yawning, spasmodic 231 

Young lady, 84 



19 _ July , 1853^ 



MOORE, ANDERSON & CO.'S PUBLICATIONS 

HOBKEOPATHIC MANUAL OF 0BSTET&10S, 

FROM THE FRENCH OF DR, CROSERIO. 
BY M. COTE, M. D. 1 VOL. 12mo. PRICE 75 CENTS. 

It is only necessary to have it known that Dr. Croserio is the 
author of the above work, to induce each practitioner of our school 
to seek a copy of it without delay. It is one of those few practical 
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The volume may seem insignificant, because it contains only 153 
pages ; but our readers can hardly conceive the amount of infor 
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to express in a few words. * * * The practice is purely homoeo- 
pathic. — [Amer. Jour, of Horn. 

* * Shows what Homoeopathy has done, and can do. * * We 
take pleasure in recommending it to Homceopathists.-[North West. 
Journal of Horn. 

A record of the long and varied experience of Croserio in this 
department of practice. — [Dr. E. C. Witherill. 

Having read the original, we can pronounce this to be a good 
translation. * * * We think it a very excellent work ; such a 
book as has long been needed in Homoeopathic practice, one mani- 
festing in itself a great deal of close and patient study and 
research. — [Philadelphia Journal of Horn. 

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CONTAINING 

ESSAYS ON THE PHYSICAL, MORAL, AND EDUCATIONAL 
DEVELOPMENT OE FEMALES, 

AND THE 

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IN ALL PERIODS OF LIFE; 

Together witli Directions for the Remedial Use 

of Water and Gynin antics. 

BY J. H. PULTE, M. D., 

AUTHOR OF " HOMOEOPATHIC DOMESTIC PHYSICIAN." 

ONE VOLUME, !2mo. PRICE $1. 



RAPOU ON TYPHOID FEVER and its Homoeopathic 

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MOORE, ANDERSON & CO.'S PUBLICATIONS. 

—JUST PUBLISHED— 
COMPLETE IN ONE VOLUME, 

Second Edition Just Ready: 

LIFE OF DK. CHALMERS 

EDITED BY THE REV. JAMES C. MOFFAT, M. A., PROFESSOR OF LATIN 

AND LECTURER ON HISTORY IN THE COLLEGE 

OF NEW JERSEY, PRINCETON. 

With a Portrait. 1 Vol. 12mo. Pp. 435. $1.25. 



Professsor Moffat has, in this handsome volume, with great tact and taste, 
managed to condense the history of the interesting, exciting, and useful career 
of Dr. Chalmers. It is a book for all to read, who would trace not only the blaz- 
ing track of a great genius, but who would see genius, talent, and power all com- 
bined for the good of man. Dr. Chalmers combined the great and the useful in a 
large measure, and was at home both with the distinguished ones of the earth, 
and with the humblest of his fellow men, and was admired and loved by all. — 
Cincinnati Gazette. 

As an orator, a philosopher, a professor, a philanthropist, a successful parish 
minister, and a learned divine, Dr. Chalmers stood foremost, not only among the 
great men of Scotland, but of Christendom. — Commercial. 

The memoirs of such a man as Dr. Chalmers should be in the hands of every 
one. His life is a grand moral lesson — a golden example — a gospel of the 19th 
century. His splendid talents, his intense application, his strenuous zeal, his 
glowing faith, and his humble spirit, might each have illumined a distinct indi- 
vidual, and made him famous; — united, they dazzled, enlightened and warmed 
the world. — Times. 

Chalmers moves before us — Chalmers speaks to us — we pass from chapter to 
chapter and page to page with the man we venerate, and catch the inspiration of 
his genius and his goodness. . . . The author's idea of the work he attempted 
to make is ours of that which he has accomplished. . . . We like the plan of 
letting such men as Chalmers speak for themselves in their biographies. — Chris- 
tian Herald. 

. . . Prof. Moffat has succeeded, and we cannot but believe his labor will be 
widely appreciated. — Presbyterian. 

. . . Not a dry detail of dates, places, and incidents, but a living, moving 
panoramic view of the stirring events and incidents in the great man's life. — 
Presbyterian Herald. 

. . . There is not much writing about the man. He is rather brought upon 
the stage to speak and act for himself. — Christian Press. 

. . . Thousands will heartily thank Professor Moffat for inviting them to so 
rare an intellectual feast. — Daily Ancient Metropolis. 

On a careful perusal of this work, we are convinced that it is superior to 
any other life of the great Scottish champion of Free Church principles now 
before the public. It has an irresistible charm thrown around its pages, and the 
reader who begins with the first chapter, will desire to keep forward till he has 
reached the last, and then wish for more. — Christian Advocate. 

: . . A most interesting and engaging portraiture of the great Scottish ora- 
tor and theologian. — JY. Y. Evangelist. 

A book with such a royal subject could not be otherwise than attractive. — Mes- 
senger. 

Its contents are pure gold. — Masonic Review. 

Chalmers was the greatest pulpit orator this generation has produced. Phi- 
ladelphia Cliristian Chronicle. 

As an orator swaying popular assemblies like the tempest trees, and always 
on reason's side ; a mathematician and a moral philosopher — Chalmers has 
few equals among men. — New York Recorder. 



wmm sabbavb imhosmi. 

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NATIONAL SERIES OF AMERICAN HISTORIES. 

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* * * " Highly honorable to the writer and honorable to the publishers." — Boston 
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to the volume. It is one of those noble contributions to natural science, in its relation 
to revealed religion, which in the writings of Hugh Miller, King, Brewster, and others 
have conferred new luster on the honored name of Scotland. * * * The concluding 
chapter is a sublime questioning of Geology, as to the testimony she gives to a Creator, 
somewhat after the manner of the Scholia, to Newton's Principia, and is one of the 
noblest portions of the work."— Richmond, Va., Watchman and Observer. 

"The science of Geology is attracting more and more attention. * * '* That 
whicn was once a gigantic chaos, has become developed into a system beautifully sym- 
metrical, and infinitely grand." — Mercantile Courier s 



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THE MISSIONARY ENTERPRISE; a collection of Discourses on Christian 
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Knowles. A new edition. Fifty-fifth thousand. 18mo, cloth, .... ,58 

Fine edition, plates, 16mo, ./ cloth, gilt,.... ,85 

MEMOIR OF GEORGE DANA BOARDMAN, late Missionary to Burmah,— con- 
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C3~ Letters from the Missionaries now in the field, and who are the best qualified to judge 
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This truly wonderful work, noticed in such flattering terms by Hunt's Mer- 
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From the New York Tribune, Feb. 19, 1853. 

We have no doubt it accomplishes everything which it claims, and that it is in 
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From the New York Evening Post. 
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From the United States Economist. 
Of all other publications, the most useful to all classes who, in our busy 
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From the New York Times. 
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MOORE, ANDERSON & CO.'S PUBLICATIONS. 

POETRY OF THE VEGETABLE WORLD: 

A popular Exposition of the Science of Botany and its 

[Relations to Man. 

By M. J. SCHLEiDEN, M. D., 

PROFESSOR OF BOTANY IN THE UNIVERSITY OF JENA. 

Edited by A. Wood, M. A., author of the "CLASS BOOK OF BOTANY." 

1 Vol. 13 mo, Illustrated. $1 35. 



This work of Professor Schleiden is a very celebrated one in Germany, and has 
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Professor Schleiden is one of the most distinguished botanists of the present 
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A volume of real science most admirably popularized. To the lover of nature 
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Notwithstanding it is purely scientific, it is so simple that whoever can speak 
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A delightful treatise in which poetry and science are beautifully blended. A 
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Christian Press. 

An ingenious and interesting volume, upon a new plan, containing rare infor- 
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MOORE, ANDERSON, & CO.'S PUBLICATIONS, 

THREE GREAT TEMPTATIONS! 

Second Thousand in One month ! ! ! 

THE THREE GREAT TEMPTATIONS OF YOUNG MEN— 
With several Lectures addressed to Business and Professional 
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CONTENTS. 

The Sirens, The Slater of the Strong, 

The Wine-cup, The Plat-house, 

The Card-table, The Web op Vice, 

The Christian Lawter, The Path of Infldelitt, 

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WMmwMmwm mnhhwh mmmmm* 



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SCENES AND LEGENDS OF THE NORTH OF SCOTLAND. 
By Hugh Miller, author of " Footprints of the Creator." 1 vol. 
12 mo. Pp.436. Price $1. 

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ume is rich in entertainment for all lovers of the genuine Scotch character." 
N. Y. Independent. 

" Fascinating portraits of quaint original characters and charming tales of 
the old faded superstitions of Scotland, make up the ' Scenes and Legends.' 
Purity of diction and thoughtful earnestness, with a vein of easy, half-con- 
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ded to these, in the present volume, are frequent touches of the most elegantly 
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smile into a tear, and exalted sentiment that brings reflection to the heart." 
Citizen. 

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his pathos, his quiet humor and manly good sense would give interest to 
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cutions. We cannot now call to mind any other style that so admirably com- 
bines every requisite for this kind of writing, with the exception of that of 
his mort illustrious countryman, Scott, as the one Hugh Miller possesses." — 
Columbian. 

" The contents of the book will be as instructive and entertaining, as the 
exterior is elegant and attractive. Hugh Miller writes like a living man, who 
has eyes, and ears, and intellect, and a heart of his own, and not like a gal- 
vanized skeleton, who inflicts his dull repetitions of what other men have 
seen and felt in stately stupidity upon their unfortunate readers. His obser- 
vation is keen, and his powers of description unrivaled. His style is like a 
mountain-stream, that flows on in beauty and freshness, imparting enliven- 
ing influences all around. His reflections, when he indulges in them, are 
just and impressive." — Christian Herald. 

" Tales so romantic, yet so natural, and told in a vein of unaffected sim- 
plicity and graphic delineation, rivaling Hogg and Scott, of the same land, 
will command avast number of admiring readers." — N. Y. Christ. Intel. 

" The interest of its facts far exceeds romance." — N. Y. Evan. 

" This book is worthy of a place by the side of the world-renowned vol- 
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MOORE & ANDERSON'S PUBLICATIONS 



S1RAWBEBRY AND CISAPE CVLTl'BE. 

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Strawberry, by N. Longworth. Put up for sending by mail, 
in flexible cloth ; price 50 cents ; cloth, usual style, 6£f cents. 
This volume should be in the hands of every cultivator of these delicious 
fruits. For it embodies, in a compact and available form, the experience of 
accomplished and practical Horticulturists on subjects which have come di- 
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Of a former edition of "Buchanan on the Grape," published by the 
author, mainly for the convenience of himself and his friends, we subjoin 
a few 

NOTICES OF THE PRESS. 

Mr. Downing, in his Horticulturist says : " It deals more with facts, ac- 
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belief, than anything on this topic that has yet appeared in the United States 
In other words, a man may take it, and plant a vineyard, and raise grapes 
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MOORE & ANDERSON", Publishers, 

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BORROWS ROVING ADVENTURES; By Geo. Borrow, 
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"He colors like Rembrandt, and draws like Spagnoletti."— Edinburgh 

Review. 
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and it hard to recognize the land they may have traveled over."— National 

Intelligencer. 

" We could hardly sleep at night for thinking of it."— Blackwood, 

! 



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Scenes and Legends of the North of Scotland. — By Hugh Miller, 
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Service Afloat and Ashore. — By Lieut. Semmes, U. S. N. Illus- 
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JUST READY. 

The Homoeopathic Domestic Physician, enlarged with special Hydro- 
pathic directions and illustrated with anatomical plates. By J. H. 
Pulte, M. D. 

The Culture of the Grape, and Wine-making. By Robert Buchanan, 
Member of the Cincinnati Horticultural Society. "With an Appendix, 
containing directions for the Cultivation of the Strawberry. By N. 
Long worth. 

Mr. Downing, in noticing the former edition of Mr. Buchanan's work, 
says, " It deals more with facts, actual experience, and observation, and 
less with speculation, supposition, and belief, than anything on this 
topic that has yet appeared in the United States." In other words, a 
man may take it and plant a vineyard and raise grapes with success; 
he may even make good wine, but no book can wholly teach this latter 
art," etc., etc. 

IN PREPARATION. 

The American Orator and Manual of Eloquence. A new Speaker. 
By J. C. Zachos. 1 vol. 12 mo. 
Merry Old England. By Miss Corner. An Illustrated Juvenile. 
A New Work, by Rev. Samuel W. Fisher. 
^Esthetics (The Elements). By Prof. J. C. Moffat. 

May, 1852. 



▼AMMAM BaiBHVIH® WBEMMa 



"THE FOOT-PRINTS OF THE CREATOR ; or, the Asterolepsis of Stromness, 
•with numerous illustrations. By Hugh Miller, author of " The Old Red Sandstone," 
&c. From the third London Edition. With a Memoir of the author, by Lows Agassiz. 
12mo, cloth, 1,00 

Db. Buckland, at a meeting of the British Association, said he had never been so much aston- 
ished in his life, by the powers of any man, as he had been by the geological descriptions of Mr. 
Miller. That wonderful man described these objects with a facility which made him ashamed of 
the comparative meagreness and poverty of his own descriptions in the " Bridgewater Treatise," 
which had cost him hours and days of labor. He would give his left hand to possess such powers 
of description as this man ; and if it pleased Providence to spare his useful life, he, if any one, 
would certainty render science attractive and popular, and do equal service to theology and geology. 

" Mr. Miller's style is remarkably pleasing; his mode of popularizing geological knowledge un- 
surpassed, perhaps unequalled; and the deep reverence for Divine Revelation pervading all, adds 
interest and value to the volume." — New York Com. Advertiser. 

" The publishers have again covered themselves with honor, by giving to the American public, 
with the Author's permission, an elegant reprint of a foreign work of science. We earnestly 
bespeak for this work a wide and free circulation, among all who love science much and religion 
more." — Puritan Recorder. 

THE OLD RED SANDSTONE ; or, New Walks in an Old Field. By Hugh Miller. 
Illustrated with Plates and Geological Sections. 12mo, cloth,. . . .1,00 

"Mr. Miller's exceedingly interesting book on this formation is just the sort of work to render 
any subject popular. It is written in a remarkably pleasing style, and contains a wonderful 
amount of information." — Westminster Review. 

" It is withal, one of the most beautiful specimens of English composition to be found, convey- 
ing information on a most difficult and profound science, in a style at once novel, pleasing and 
elegant. It contains the results of twenty years close observation and experiment, resulting in an 
accumulation of facts, which not only dissipate some dark and knotty old theories with regard to 
ancient formations, but establish the great truths of geology in more perfect and harmonious con- 
sistency with the great truths of revelation." — Albany Spectator. 

PRINCIPLES OF ZOOLOGY : Touching the Structure, Development, Distribution, 
and Natural Arrangement of the Races of Animals living and extinct, with numerous 
illustrations. For the use of Schools and Colleges. Part I., Comparative Physiology. 
By Louis Agassiz and Augustus A.Gould. Revised edition. 12mo,... cloth,.... 1,00 

" This work places us in possession of information half a century in advance of all our elemer, 
tary works on this subject * * No work of the same dimensions has ever appeared in the 
English language, containing so much new and valuable information on the subject of which it 
treats." — Prof. James Hall, in the Albany Journal. 

"A work emanating from so high a source hardly requires commendation to give it currency. 
The volume is prepared for the student in zoological science ; it is simple and elementary in its 
style, full in its illustrations, comprehensive in its range, yet well condensed, and brought into the 
narrow compass requisite for the purpose intended." — Sillimatfs Journal. 

" The work may safely be recommended as the best book of the kind in our language."— Chris- 
tian Examiner. 

" It is not a mere book, but a work— a real work in the form of a book. Zoology is an interesting 
science, and here is treated with a masterly hand. The history, anatomical structure, the nature 
and habits of numberless animals, are described in clear and plain language and illustrated with 
innumerable engravings. It is a work adapted to colleges and schools, and no young man should 
be without it." — Scientific American. 

PRINCIPLES OF ZOOLOGY, PART II. Systematic Zoology, in which the Prin- 
ciples of Classification are applied, and the principal groups of animals are briefly 
characterized. With numerous illustrations. 12mo, [in preparation] 



MOORE & ANDERSON'S PUBLICATIONS. 

SERVICE AFLOAT AND ASHORE during the Mexican 
"War : By Lieut. Raphael Semmes, U. S. N., late Flag- 
Lieutenant of the Home Squadron, and Aid-de-camp of 
Major- General Worth, in the battles of the Valley of Mexico. 
1 vol. 8vo, $1.75. Illustrated with numerous lithographs, 
in beautiful style, by Onken, and an official map. 

** He has given to the public a very attractive work upon Mexico 
.tself, as well as upon the Mexican war." — Charleston (S. C.) Standard. 

" His original descriptions are drawn with great felicity. He is a 
lively and spirited narrator. His battle sketches are extremely vivid, 
and produce a deep impression on the imagination. His pictures of 
social and domestic life in Mexico are apparently true to nature, and 
present the attractions of a romance — criticises the military operations 
in a decided partisan spirit, but with evident ability." — N. Y. Tribune. 

" He is bold, capable, and courageous. He can wield a pen or a 
sword with admirable force and dexterity. * * * As a writer, Lieut 
Semmes is clear and cogent. The first forty pages of the volume are 
occupied with a description of Mexico, its government and people ; and 
we know of no description of the kind, which brings the condition of 
things in that unhappy country so distinctly before the mind of the 
reader. The whole volume, as a work of intellect, is worthy of a high 
place in the department to which it belongs." — Louisville Journal. 

"In remarking upon the various battles and military movements, it 
indulges neither in indiscriminate praise nor indiscriminate censure. — 
It lauds everybody for something, but none for everything. * * * 
General Scott is often and highly praised for his surpassing abilities — 
for what he did do in the cause of his country ; yet, Lieut. Semmes asserts 
that the battle of Churubusco, and its consequent slaughter, was entirely 
unnecessary, and brings forward arguments to sustain his assertion. — 
He also declares, and brings evidence to the truth of the declaration, 
that General Scott understood nothing of the real use or strength of the 
Molinos del Rey, which were so bloodily defended by the Mexicans, and 
that time and again our successes were owing to the personal ability 
and valor of subordinates, and not to the much-vaunted foresight and 
science of the commander-in-chief. "With all this, there is no virulence 
or indiscriminate fault-finding. Lieut. Semmes' book differs from all 
that have preceded it, and must attract attention. We say, " God defend 
the right," but let us know what right is, and give honor to whom honor 
is due." — Boston Post. 

" Sailors are said to be persons of strong prejudices. And it is no 
small praise to the author, to say that we have never read a history evi- 
dently so fairly written, with regard to the merits of the numerous 
claimants of military glory. * * * We shall take our sailor and 
soldier out of the ranks, and see what he has to tell of a more amusing 
nature than battle fields. * * * After sailing about the Gulf, and 
cruising from Vera Cruz to Mexico and back again with our author, we 
have arrived at the conclusion that he is as pleasant a companion as one 
might desire upon a similar journey, and so commend him to the favor 
of the reading public." — Literary World. 



MOORE & ANDERSON'S PUBLICATIONS. 
For the School Room. 

The Course of Creation : By John Anderson, D. D., with a 
Glossary of Scientific Terms. 

" As a science, geology is scarcely fifty years old : yet now, for the 
interest which it excites, and the attention which the best minds of Eu- 
rope and this country are giving to it, it yields to the claims of no other. 
The vast number of facts which it presents to all, and its conclusions 
in regard to the primal history of the soil, are absolutely amazing. — 
This subject is essentially a study for the masses. To the farmer it 
opens a source of exhaustless information and delight. From 
the hills and alluvial levels of his farm, from the rounded rocks 
lying about, from the turned up furrow, from the shoveled sand-bank, 
from the ledgy river brink, and perchance from a range of mountains 
standing near, geology speaks to him, and invites his attention to a 
world of wonders. The subject of geology is knitted into that of geo- 
graphy. It is our firm conviction, that within a few years geology and 
geography will be studied together in our common schools. 

" Dr. Anderson is an experienced geologist. His book shows him to 
be thoroughly enthusiastic, yet cautious in everything pertaining to the 
practical details of his favorite science. He commences by taking us 
among the gorges and rugged cliffs of his own native mountains. By 
his graphic powers of description, he makes us see their bald heads, 
and feel their dizzy heights. When we have surveyed the scenery, be- 
yond description wild and grand, he takes us down to the lowest foun- 
dations of the mountains, and with a few blows of a hammer, lays open 
to view a page in the primeval history of our globe. 

"We think it would be an excellent work for those schools in which 
the pupils are so far advanced as to be able to master the contents of 
popular scientific works by simple reading. Most of our Seminaries, 
Academies, and the highest departments of our Union schools, are of this 
class. Careful reading by the pupils, and judicious questioning by the 
teacher, would fix the main facts in the mind, and in the end, store the 
intellect with a kind of knowledge of which no liberally educated man, 
now-a-days, can be destitute." — Scliool Friend. 

" It would make a good class book, and also serve a fine purpose in 
awakening an interest in the study."' — N. Y. Evangelist. 

" This is a beautiful reprint of one of the most lucid, yet scientific 
expositions of geological phenomena with which we have had the good 
fortune to meet. Like his countryman, Hugh Miller, the author of the 
"Old Red Sandstone," and "Footprints of the Creator," Dr. Anderson, 
while discussing fairly yet forcibly the controverted points in geologi- 
cal science, shows conclusively that there is no real conflict between the 
discoveries of geology and the Divine record. The danger of material- 
ism and skepticism lies in tasting, not in drinking deep from this foun- 
tain of knowledge. Already the discoveries of the geologist have re- 
moved many points of difficulty, and further discoveries will lead to 
further adjustments, until at last, the two records will be found to har- 
monize, and, in the language of the author — who affirms that all the geo- 
logical phenomena which have passed under his review have uniformly 
led him "from Nature up to Nature's God" — "this interesting branch 
of knowledge will be brought from the outer court of the Gentiles to 
the innermost shrine of the temple of truth." — Washington Union. 



MOORE & ANDERSON'S PUBLICATIONS 



A CONCISE HISTORY OF ENGLAND, to the accession of 
Queen Victoria, by Clark, edited by Prof. Moffat. New edi- 
tion with a series of Questions : 

"We know of no history of England of the same size, so calculated to 
give the reader a clear view of the complicated events of that country as the 
one before us." — N. Y. Christian Intelligencer. 

"As a compend to be always at hand, it is superior to any we have 
seen." — Christian Herald. 

" It will be found a useful summary of English History, combining the 
attractiveness of a narrative with the advantages of brevity and chronologi- 
cal definiteness." — N. Y. Courier fy Enquirer. 

"An excellent outline of English History. It would make a capital text- 
book for our schools and colleges. It shows what the people, as well as the 
Kings of England, were doing." — Enquirer. 

"Just what it purports to be — a concise, clear, and methodical outline of 
English history, well adapted for school purposes and for young readers. 
It gives an easy narrative, and condenses all the principal facts in a way to 
convey much instruction, and at the same time to excite a desire for larger 
works." — N. Y. Evangelist. 

" This is one of the best and most useful text-books of history we have 
ever examined ; and it would be difficult to decide whether it is entitled to 
greater commendation for its succinct and correct statement of facts or the 
terse and pure language in which it is written." — Lawrenceburg Register. 

"A single duodecimo volume, offering a brief narrative, a skeleton map, 
as it were, of the events of English history. It is neatly written, a good 
manual for instruction, and a useful book of reference in the library, when 
one has not the leisure to hunt a fact through larger works. The additions, 
exhibiting the progress of society, are judiciously made." — Literary World. 

" This is a clear, succinct, well- arranged history: it will be found very 
convenient for reference, and well adapted for the use of classes. ¥e com- 
mend it to all who wish for such a manual." — Ohio Jour, of Education. 

" This is a very comprehensive manual of English History. * * As a 
class-book in our schools it will be invaluable." — Hartford, Conn., Daily 
Times. 

"I have never used a text-book with more satisfaction. * * * After 
using it nearly a year, I most confidently recommend it to the favorable 
attention of the public. Edward Cooper, 

President of Asbury Female College, New Albany, Indiana, 
formerly Editor N. Y. District School Journal. 



MOORE &. ANDERSON'S P n C- Li CATIONS 



PULTE'S 

HOMffiOPATHIC DOMESTIC PHYSICIAN 

ILLUSTRATED WITH ANATOMICAL PLATES. 
N i n 1 1) (£ i) it s a n b . 

" A very lucid and useful hand-book. Its popular language, and exclu- 
sion of difficult terminology are decided recommendations. Its success is 
goad evidence of the value of the work." — N. Y. Times. 

" This appears to be a very successful publication. It has now reached 
its third edition, which is a revised and enlarged one; and we learn from the 
title page that eight thousand copies have been published. Various addi- 
tions have been made to the Homoeopathic directions, and the anatomical 
part of the work has been illustrated with engravings. The work has re- 
ceived the approbation of several of our most eminent practitioners." — 
Evening Post. 

" A nicely printed volume, and it appears to be a finished one of its kind. 
It embraces all possible directions for the treatment of diseases, with elab- 
orate descriptions of symptoms, and an abridged Materia Medica." — Boston 
Post. 

" It is very comprehensive and very explicit." — N. Y. Evangelist. 

"Though not at present exclusively confined to the medical profession, we 
have been consulted, during the past year, in some fifty or sixty cases, 
some of which, according to the opinion of the far-sighted and sagacious, 
were very bad and about to" die, and would die if trusted to Homoeopathy, 
and some were hopeless, which are now a wonder unto many in the change 
which the homoeopathic treatment alone effected. Now what of all this ? 
Why, just this, we have used Dr. Pulte's book for our Directory ; we have 
tested it as a safe counselor ; — and we say to our friends who have wished 
we would get up a book for them, just get Pulte's Domestic Physician and 
the remedies, and set up for yourselves." — Cattaraugus Chronicle. 

" I have recommended it to my patients as being — for conciseness, pre- 
cision, and practical utility — unsurpassed either in my native or adopted 
country." — Dr. Granger of St. Louis. 

" The plan and execution of Pulte's Homoeopathic Domestic Physician, 
render it in my opinion the best work of its kind extant for popular use. 

" ROBERT ROSMAN, M. D., 

"Brooklyn." 

" I have found, upon careful perusal, ' The Domestic Physician,' by Dr. 
Pulte, to be concise and comprehensive in its description of diseases, and 
accurate in the application of remedies; but its chief advantage over othei 
works of the same design, appears to me, to be the facility with which it is 
understood by the lay practitioner. I consider it a valuable and useful book 
of reference in domestic practice. The professional ability and extensive 
practical experience of the author, are alone sufficient recommendation for 
its value. A. COOKE HULL, M. D., 

76 State St., Brooklyn. 

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